Sam A. Johns

Sam A. Johns, age 76, passed away on December 31, 2024, at HCA North Florida Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, following an extended illness. Born on November 18, 1948, in Gainesville, FL, to the late Seeber and Nina Lee Croft Johns, Sam made invaluable contributions both professionally and personally throughout his life.

After high school, he pursued education in diesel mechanics at a college in Nashville, equipping him with the technical expertise that would guide his professional journey. Sam owned and operated Johns Union 76 in downtown Lake Butler until its closing in the mid-1990s. Following this chapter, he transitioned to a rewarding career with the Union County School Board, where he worked diligently as a mechanic at the bus garage until his retirement. His dedication and skilled workmanship left a lasting impact on those he worked with and served. Further showing his dedication and love to his community, Sam proudly served as County Commissioner from 1976 to 1984. His last four years in office he held the title of Chairman. 

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sam was deeply passionate about farming. He found joy in working his cattle, bailing hay, and riding his property on his Kubota, nurturing his love for his family land and animals.

Sam is survived by his sisters, Teresa Johns, Mary Lee O'Steen, and Sue (David) Stalnaker. He cherished his role as an uncle to his nephews, Johnny O'Steen, Joey (Frankie) O'Steen, Chris (Amy) Stalnaker, and Chad (Cailyn) Stalnaker. He also delighted in the company of his great nieces and nephews, Tyler O'Steen, Jadee O'Steen, Jake O'Steen, Paislee Stalnaker, and Sawyer Stalnaker, who brought him immense joy, and his special friend, Gail Sheppard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Seeber and Nina Lee Croft Johns.

Visitation will be held on January 4, 2025, from 10:00am to 11:00am, with the funeral service following at 11:00am at the First Christian Church, Lake Butler. Sam will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Swift Creek Cemetery. Bro. Art Peterson and Bro. Shane Collins to officiate the service. It is the pleasure of Archer-Milton Funeral Home to serve the Johns family as they honor Sam. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either St. Jude's Children's Hospital or First Christian Church, Lake Butler.