MERLE KEITH JOHNSON, age 61, of Eastman, GA, died Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at the Dodge County Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Saturday, November 30, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Myron Parkerson and Rev. Sammy Young officiating, with interment in Cottondale Cemetery. Merle was a lifelong resident of Dodge County, a member of Mt. Annis Baptist Church, a 1976 graduate of Dodge County High School, and a retired truck driver for Johnson Recycling for over 30 years. He was a longtime supporter and volunteer with the Dodge County Marching Chiefs, enjoyed going to auctions and flea markets, loved farming and being on his tractor, and most of all he loved his family. Merle was preceded in death by his Father, Lamar Johnson, Maternal Grandparents, Tommy and Dessie Maude Howell, and Paternal Grandparents, Hubert and Varnie Johnson. He is survived by his Wife of 38 years – Deborah Lewis “Debbie” Johnson of Eastman; Daughter – Rachael Johnson of Eastman; 3 Sons – Tommy Johnson, Keith Johnson, and Josh Johnson all of Eastman; 3 Grandchildren – Hunter Widener, Justin Widener, and Sam Widener; Mother – Louise Howell Johnson of Eastman; 2 Brothers – Greg Johnson (Lisa) and Cecil Johnson (Jan) both of Eastman; Brother-in-Law – Jimmy Lewis; Aunts and Uncles – Beatrice Edge, Danny Howell (Patty), W.T. “Junior” Howell (Faye), and Johnny Howell (Deborah); Numerous Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins. The family may be contacted at the residence of Mrs. Louise Johnson, 2597 Hawkinsville Hwy., Eastman, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Saturday, November 30.