Johnny D. Foster

Johnny Delano Foster, 74, passed away on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 at the E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville, FL. Johnny was born on August 31, 1945 in Inman, S.C. to George and Pauline (Polly) Foster. The family moved to Miami, FL. when he was young. He joined the Navy in 1961 and married the love of his life, Martha, in 1966. They had four wonderful children that he adored and they were the main reason that he decided to retire after 20+ years of service. He wanted to spend more time with them and watch them grow. Johnny and Martha settled in Old Town in 1983 to be near his extended family. He loved anything associated with the ocean: fishing, diving, especially the Keys, even going so far as bringing in white sand, tropical plants, and parrots to remind him of his favorite place. Johnny always had an artistic touch and while retired he started a chainsaw woodcarving hobby and quickly became known in the area as “Island Johnny”. He was famous for his beautiful carvings of pelicans, sea turtles, and saltwater fish. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, George Foster, his mother, Pauline (Polly) Peavy, brothers Richard and Wayne, sister Andrea (Penny) Hunter, nephew Charlie Hunter, and son William (Sam) Foster. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Martha, daughters Barbara (Daryle) Higginbotham, Patricia (Ronnie) Stephens, son Johnny (Toni “Missy”) Foster, sisters Patricia Peyton and Sandra Peavy (Michael Davis), and brother Robin (Dawn) Foster, all of Old Town. He will be hugely missed by grandchildren Jason, James (Ashley), Brandon and Bradley (Sydney) Hurst, Jessica Bedford, Gary Martin, Shelbi & Sierra Stephens, Diane Smith (Paul), Darien & Kara Foster, Heather Howell, William Carver, Kellie Schrecengost (Nick), Sharon, Savannah, and Keith Foster, great grandchildren Kolby, Kason, and Kassidy, Brayden, William, Cutter, Sophie Rae, Brianna, and Adaline and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Also mourning him is his little buddy Spanky, our pug. The family will have a memorial service at a later date. Arrangements have been placed under the care of Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City, Florida 352-498-5400 and Chiefland, Florida 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Johnny D. Foster

August 31, 1945 - October 2, 2019