Johnny Earl Hyers, Sr.

Johnny Earl Hyers, Sr., a respected accountant, devoted husband, and faithful servant leader, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026. Rooted in Alma, Georgia, and fulfilled in the life he built in Athens, Georgia, Johnny leaves behind a legacy of unwavering integrity and quiet strength. Guided by his faith, he moved through his days with precision and grace, solved problems with clarity, and faithfully cared for everyone around him. For ninety-three years, his shoulders were strong—broad enough to carry responsibility, steady enough to offer protection, and gentle enough to give comfort.

Johnny was born in 1932 to Willie and Lennie Crapps Hyers of Alma, Georgia. He always treasured his small-town upbringing, where he sang in church and learned early the values of discipline, faith, and community. He graduated from Bacon County High School in 1949 and earned an associate degree from Lee Junior College in Cleveland, Tennessee. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, Johnny returned to Alma and served as Office Manager of National Contracting and Engineering Company, Inc.

Determined and forward-thinking, Johnny earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia in 1962. That same year, he married Louise James of Blackshear, Georgia—the love of his life—and together they shared sixty-three devoted years of marriage until her passing in 2025.

Johnny’s professional career was distinguished by his service with the United States Treasury Department as an Internal Revenue Service Field Agent. Upon his retirement in 1990, he was honored with the Albert Gallatin Award, the Treasury Department’s highest career service award.

He was a proud Mason with Bacon Lodge #56, a Shriner of the Alee Temple, a charter member of the Athens Country Club, and a lifelong Presbyterian, most recently at First Presbyterian Church of Athens. A devoted Georgia Bulldog, Johnny also supported numerous local charities, believing that giving back was not merely a responsibility, but a privilege.

Personally, Johnny relished his grandfather role as “Papa John”, never went to bed without his nightly bowl of ice cream, believed that playing, practicing, or watching golf should be part of every good day, and rarely missed an opportunity to hold Louise’s hand—even when health challenges required them to live apart during their final four years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, and four siblings. He is survived by his son, John Hyers, Jr.; his granddaughter, Hannah (Trey) Barber; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Liam and Ava Louise. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and in-laws, forming a wide circle of love and support in his later years. Especially meaningful were the communities of Anna’s Walk, Highland Hills, and Arbor Terrace, along with Tina Boyland and Katrina Bowers, who walked beside him—both literally and figuratively.

A graveside memorial service, with military honors, will be held at Alma Cemetery in Alma, Georgia, on Saturday, February 28, at 11:30 a.m.

For those wishing to honor Johnny’s life through charitable contributions, memorial gifts may be directed to the Louise & Johnny Hyers Academic Support Fund endowment at the UGA Foundation, One Press Place, Athens, GA 30602. Online gifts may be made at: https://give.uga.edu/uga-foundation/

Lord & Stephens, West (Athens), and Crosby Funeral Home (Alma) are in charge of arrangements.