John "Johnny" Gilbert Shivers

John Gilbert (Johnny) Shivers (78) peacefully passed from his life here on earth to the eternal on January 18, 2024.

Johnny was born in Vidette, Georgia on November 26, 1945. The second son of Paul Hunter Shivers and Mary Alma Byrd Shivers. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gloria Dean Shivers; his daughters Lynn Lewis (Dusty) of St. Simons Island, Sandra (Sandy) Bowles (Joe) of North Augusta, Suzanne Barlow (Sean) of Vidette. Family members include: grandchildren Patrick Chance Lewis, Mary Caroline Lewis, Marguerite Palmer Bowles, Joseph Edward (Jeb) Bowles, Jr., Mary Isabella (Issy) Barlow and Kingsley Banks Barlow; brother Paul Shivers, Jr. (Judy), sister Frances Johnson, sister Ann Bevan (Frank), and special family friend Isiah (Slick) Jenkins (who we affectionately refer to as “Slick” Shivers).

Following in his father’s footsteps, Johnny became an accomplished farmer, and was once recognized as the Georgia Farmer of the Year.  He passed on his expertise in farming to his nephew Dean Johnson, who carries on his legacy. Above farming, and most of all, he loved his family and was proud of his kids and grandkids.  Always ready to relay their activities and accomplishments to anyone who knew him well. He was an avid hunter at his Burke County farm and an expert fisherman at his beloved Georgia coast. His fondness for Coastal Georgia led him to find an ideal property and develop a subdivision named Cooper’s Point, where he once owned golf course despite never being at all interested in golf-again his expertise in farming helped him transition into green maintenance.  Further, his enthusiasm for hunting and hosting friends at the farm property led him to found the Shivers Hunting Club in 1998 (*the timeline of the hunting club is disputed since he began inviting friends to sleep on the floor in the family room around 1981). His wide circle of friends includes close relationships with folks from McIntosh and Glynn Counties on the coast, and other places around Georgia.

Johnny and Gloria especially enjoyed hosting get-togethers at the "shed". Thanksgiving was special; included with family were many friends who were there year after year for great food and wonderful fellowship.  Thanksgiving will never be the same without Johnny.

The kindness and support for the family is much appreciated during this difficult time. Visitation will be at the Shivers Hunting Club, 6222 Georgia Highway 305, Louisville, GA  30434 at 1:00 PM Sunday January 21, with the memorial service immediately following at 2:00 PM.  Requested dress is camo and/or casual.  A private family burial service will be held on a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the EBA track fund (checks can be sent to Edmund Burke Academy, PO Box 787, Waynesboro, GA  30830 specifying track fund), or Via Cognitive Health (formally the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer's Care) viacognitavehealth.org

DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA   30830 (706-554-3531)

You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com.