Tifton DA Bryce Johnson passes away

News started spreading over social media yesterday that Tift Judicial Circuit (comprised of Tift, Worth, Turner, and Irwin counties) District Attorney Bryce Johnson had suddenly passed away. While no indication has been given as to the cause of death, Johnson was only in his early 50s and leaves behind a wife and child.

Tributes immediately started coming in. Governor Brian Kemp said, “DA Johnson faithfully served the people of Irwin, Tift, Turner, and Worth Counties, and we are thankful for his contributions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the southwest Georgia community during this time,”

Attorney General Chris Carr add about his friend of over 20 years, “He was a man of integrity who had a great sense of humor, was a student of politics and knew more about Georgia high school football than anyone I have ever known,” Carr’s statement said. “Bryce dedicated his life to serving the community he was so proud to call home, and he was a standout District Attorney in our state.”

Alcovy Judicial Circuit DA Randy McGinley said, “Yesterday we lost a huge smile, a bigger heart, and walking encyclopedia of South Georgia High School football and Georgia politics. Everywhere Bryce Johnson went, he brought happiness and joy. I will miss the late night talks at DA meetings, hearing what the score of the 1995 state quarterfinal double A football game was, and seeing the smile on your face when you talked about your son and your wife. We lost a great man way too soon. Please pray for Erika, Will, his family, his office, and his community.” 

Superior Court Judge Bert Guy remembered his friend since college, “I’ve known Bryce Johnson since college. He and Erika were the first donors when I ran for superior court judge. A Great man and public servant. I was honored recently to be asked to write a letter of recommendation for him to join the lawyers club of Atlanta. He will be sorely missed. Prayers for Erika and their family. RIP friend.”

The 8th District Republican Committee added,

A loving husband to Erika,
An extremely proud father of Will,
The “Vanilla Gorilla” to his RLG class,
A fine District Attorney in Tifton,
And a friend to all that knew him.

We join those who have already expressed their condolence to the Johnson family and hope everyone will keep his wife Ericka and son Will in their thoughts and prayers.