Johnnie M. Shiver, Jr.

MOULTRIE, GA – Johnnie M. Shiver, Jr., 96, of Moultrie, passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Colquitt Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, August 1, 2022, at Cobb Funeral Chapel.  Interment, with military honors, will follow in Cool Springs Cemetery.  

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Cobb Funeral Chapel.

Born on October 14, 1925, in Doerun, Georgia, he was the son of the late Johnnie M. Shiver, Sr. and Jewel O’Neal Shiver.  Johnnie Shiver graduated from Doerun High School, Doerun, Georgia, in 1944 as valedictorian and immediately enlisted in the U. S. Army.  He served in Company C, 1^st Battalion, 134^th Infantry Regiment, 35^th Infantry Division during World War II where he earned the rank of corporal.   He served in the European Theatre in combat missions in France and Germany until the end of the war.  He re-enlisted during the Korean War but received a hardship discharge before he was deployed.  He received medals for Good Conduct, European Campaign, Bronze Star and Combat Infantry badge.  When Mr. Shiver returned home from his service in the Army, he immediately saw the need to assist fellow veterans and to continue a camaraderie with fellow veterans.  For seven decades he has assisted veterans in a variety of ways, large and small.  Seeing veterans struggle for assistance in transportation to the VA Hospital 100 miles away in Lake City, Florida, Mr. Shiver was a driving force in soliciting funds and support for a community bus to provide bi-monthly trips to the VA Hospital.  This was a phenomenal undertaking.  He willingly provided transportation for any veteran needing a special trip to the VA hospital.  Feeling something was missing when “Taps” was not played at veterans’ funerals and community events, Mr. Shiver saw a real need.  Many years ago, he purchased a bugle with the desire to offer this service to grieving families and at public ceremonies.  He continues this caring gesture even today at the age of 96.  Mr. Shiver and his bugle have been a part of numerous patriotic events in the community including every Memorial Day and Veterans Day event. He has played many times at the DAR-sponsored Independence Day Observance.  Of all the service he has shown to veterans, Mr. Shiver would say his greatest accomplishment was in fulfilling the dream of an Eternal Flame monument to recognize all of the Colquitt County servicemen and women who willing gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country.  Mr. Shiver and the Colquitt County Commission Chair worked to raise the funds for a permanent eternal flame monument inscribed with the names of Colquitt County fallen soldiers. The Eternal Flame monument was erected on the Colquitt County Courthouse Square and dedicated on July 4, 1976, as a part of the United States Bi-Centennial Celebration.  Mr. Shiver was Commander Local VFW Post, District Commander, State Vice Commander, State Commander, and National Deputy Chief of Staff.  He was the Georgia State Society DAR Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award recipient in 2020 and was also named the Southeastern recipient for the National Society.  Mr. Shiver assists in Quilts of Valor presentations, delivers fruit baskets to veterans in nursing homes, participates in Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day observances, and assists with poppy sales and veterans’ breakfasts. In 2007, he was instrumental in helping to reorganize the local American Legion post after many years of being dormant.  Mr. Shiver is truly an American patriot.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Alvin Shiver, Alton Shiver, Billy Joe Shiver, Christine Chitty, Betty Jean Jardon, Nita Frassrand; special niece, Wanda Henry.

Survivors include his sister, Carolyn Nazworth of Crawfordville, FL; niece, Judy Stevens and husband James; nephew Cyrus Sanford Klein and wife Joan; great-niece, Bailey Chitty; several extended family members and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Moultrie American Legion, PO Box 1274, Moultrie, GA. 31776.