Willie Harold Johnson, former Mayor of Hogansville, passed away Saturday morning, March 16, 2013 at West Georgia Health Center in LaGrange after a long illness. He locally distin-guished himself as first African American to win and serve as Mayor for the city.

As a Hogansville native, he was fondly called "Mike," "Mr. Mike," and "Mr. Mayor" by many who knew him well. Mike was born November 10, 1933 to the late Mary "Mae" Johnson of Hogansville, where he was a lifelong member of St. Mary United Methodist Church and educated at West End High School.

As an active member of St. Mary U.M. Church, Mike was involved In the United Methodist Men Group where he took on leadership roles and served as a delegate to annual conferences. Mike was also a longtime member of the Shiner Lodge where he achieved the highest honor of a 33rd degree.

After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951, where he served the nation from the Korean War to the Vietnam War. He retired as a Specialist-6 in 1973 after 22 years of Honora-ble Service and recognition of skills and knowledge and accepted civilian employment with the Veterans Administration (VA) Medi-cal Center in Decatur, Georgia.

During his almost 25 years of service at the VA, he rose through the ranks to eventually become Dietary Supervisor. Com-bined, his 40 years of service to nation was recognized, as he re-tired in 1996.

After retiring from federal service in the early 1990’s, he later opened Mike’s Elite Café, where he viewed this business enter-prise, not-so-much as money making venture. It was by far a com-munity service.

Mike leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Annie Wilbur, of 56 years, five children, Lucy, Sidney Michael (Mae), Sylvia, Stanley and Julian Marchiel (Tina); Ten grandchildren: Kristin (Howard), Mercy, Garron, Brittney¸ Tabitha, Joshua, Marc, Onevious,, Stanley and Nigel. Five great grandchildren, Devin, Demetric, Davion, Londyn Leigh, and Sklyer. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.