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GREENVILLE – Johnny Harland Overton, aged 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at his home in Pitt County, North Carolina. Born on May 21, 1946, in Bertie County, North Carolina, Johnny lived a life characterized by dedication to his work, love for his family, and service to his community and country.

Johnny worked diligently for 12 years at the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) as a Maintenance Worker at Union Maintenance until his well-deserved retirement. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who cherished his family above all.

An outdoor enthusiast, Johnny found great joy in fishing, bird watching—particularly martins and bluebirds—and gardening. His hobbies were reflective of his profound appreciation for nature’s simple beauties.

Johnny was a former member of the Ahoskie Jaycees, where he served as Chaplain, and he contributed significantly to the HCHS Athletic Association over many years. His faith was a cornerstone of his life; he served faithfully in his church, Center Grove Baptist, as a deacon and Sunday school teacher, guiding many through his commitment to service and community.

A patriot, Johnny proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the North Carolina Army National Guard. Johnny Harland Overton’s legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family, community, and country will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Johnny is preceded in death by his father, John Francis Overton, and his mother, Irene Johnson Harrison. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 56 years, Shirley Overton; daughter, Anna Hodges, and her husband Brandon of Greenville; son, Brian Overton, and his wife Tania of Charlotte; four grandchildren, Malachi Wolf of Charlotte, Isaac Hodges of Greenville, Lucas Wolf of Charlotte, and Cali Hodges of Greenville; his brother, Donald Overton, and his wife Felicia of Sanford; two sisters, Brenda Piland and her husband Tom of St. John, and Rena Turner and her husband Tim of Winton; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will cherish his memory.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC. A celebration of Johnny’s life will take place on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service Chapel, Ahoskie, NC. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to Center Grove Baptist Church, 826 Center Grove Rd, Ahoskie, NC 27910, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online by visiting tmcfunding.com and searching the fund under “Johnny Overton.”

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Hill family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.