George Haywood Johnson, Jr., affectionately called "Choppy," was born to the late George Haywood and Malissa Davenport Johnson in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on July 25, 1947. He was educated in the public schools of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and was a member of the 1965 graduating class of Atkins High School.

George began his early Christian education at Mount Zion Baptist Church where he joined and was baptized under the pastorate of the late Reverend Dr. Kelly O. P. Goodwin. A life member of the church, he exercised the tenets of his faith as a trumpeter, violinist and hand bell soloist in church. He was a member of the Inspirational Choir (past president) and former chairman of the Board of Directors.

George served his country during the Vietnam War era and following his honorable military service he was discharged from the United States Army.

He attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University on both a tennis and music scholarship. He was a member of the Tennis Team, Marching Band, Concert Band and String Orchestra. George completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology at A & T. His passion for education became evident when his quests led to both a Master of Science Degree in Education-Guidance and a Master of Arts Degree in School Administration from his beloved alma mater. He was filled with  "Aggie Pride."

During his youth, George developed an interest in tennis and taught himself how to play the game. He became a tennis enthusiast after playing daily on the courts of Kimberly Park, Skyland and Atkins schools. He was a member of The Kimberly Park Tennis Club and competed in several tournaments and received many trophies and accolades. In addition to playing and teaching tennis, he coached Volleyball at NC A and T State University and Winston-Salem State University. He formerly served as president of The Atkins Alumni Association and The Twin City Chapter, NC A and T State Alumni.

George's employment history included a brief period with the Winston-Salem Redevelopment Commission before entering his chosen profession as an educator and an education administrator. He became a proven leader with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System where he served as a guidance counselor; assistant principal at East Forsyth and Reynolds High Schools and was chosen as the first principal of Clemmons Middle School. George was also the first principal of the Middle College of Forsyth Technical Community College. His positive encouragement impacted many young lives for 32 years prior to his retirement from the school system.

George Haywood Johnson, Jr. was called from labor to reward at Trellis Supportive Care in Winston-Salem on Friday, December 3, 2021, following a period of illness. Those family members who survive and who will forever cherish special memories of him include his sons, Kevin Wayne (Jennifer) Johnson and Jarian DeVon Johnson; three sisters, Mary (Harold, Sr.) Springs, Audrey J. (Melvin Jr.) Davis and Sharon Johnson Buford; special friends, Linda Whites, Alberta Clark and Kenneth Baker; grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family members.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30pm Friday, December 10, 2021 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12:00noon until 12:30pm on Friday at the Church.