‘Squirrel Man’ remembered for love of wildlife, children

People who knew him from Meeks Park – where he befriended wildlife and educated others for years – and beyond gathered at Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery to lay him to rest, relating fond memories and finding comfort in scripture that promised Johnson was at peace with the Lord.

Reverend Ernest Shipman traveled all the way from New Hampshire to officiate the service, but, as he revealed when introducing himself to attendees, he and Johnson grew up together in Atlanta.

Shipman shared some stories of Johnson in his youth, recounting how he used to play the banjo. Years later, Johnson kept in touch with Shipman, and the pair playfully compared weather and news over the phone.

The floor opened then for further comments, allowing others to share their memories of Johnson. The general consensus was that Johnson, truly unique in both personality and drive to care for the creatures around him, was a phenomenal individual.

Kat Crow, for example, bonded with Johnson over ecology and conservation. Crow referred to him as a “kindred spirit,” and Johnson was the first person she got to know in Blairsville when she began to visit the mountains in the 1990s.

“We need people that care about the environment, that care about nature and want to preserve it, and I think he instilled that in so many children,” Crow said. “I’m hoping as they grow up, then they’ll pass that on to their children. He showed them better than a screen, out there with the animals.”

Ava Irvin was one of those children who knew Johnson as a teacher. She grew up visiting Meeks Park and recalled how Johnson helped her catch and identify snakes. When she managed to get bitten one time, he produced a first-aid kit from his truck and helped her clean the wound.

“I spent countless hours with him, just sitting or walking around,” Irvin said. “He was such a great man. I’ve grown up with him, and he’s touched many, many lives.”

Johnson sat in the park every day from morning until well into the afternoon, content to patiently feed the local wildlife. Some stories told of how he stopped children from throwing rocks at ducks or sat still and allowed birds to pluck strands from his beard to build their nests.

One common sentiment shared among attendees was that Johnson needed a memorial at Meeks Park. Most agreed that a statue should be set, with some suggesting that Johnson be surrounded by the children he taught, and others recommending the Squirrel Man be forever posed with his beloved birds and squirrels. Some pledged funds and services, but it was agreed to finalize the details later.

“We here know the pain of loss. It’s real, it’s raw, it’s deep, it hurts – it makes us angry. For solace, we must look only to Jesus,” said Shipman, pointing out how even Jesus grieved deeply for Lazarus, and so, too, should the friends of Johnson grieve and find comfort in the Savior.

As a U.S. Army Veteran, Johnson received full military honors at his funeral courtesy of the North Georgia Honor Guard.

When the time to reminisce had passed, everyone filtered outside for the graveside service to solemnly witness the rifle volley and folding of the flag. Several openly wept during the playing of “Taps,” and again at “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes.

Notably, a sign was left hanging on the tree overlooking Johnson’s grave. It said simply, “Squirrels Welcome.”

Anyone who knew the Squirrel Man knew he enjoyed eating at Mike’s Seafood, and those who wish to continue celebrating his life and legacy are invited to the restaurant to share pictures, videos and stories over lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Anyone who has trouble paying for their meal is invited to contact Samantha McVay at 706-897-6144.