Obituary of Johnny Robert Counts

Johnny Robert Counts, age 83, passed away peacefully on January 31st, 2019. John was married to Helen Dorothy Counts for 36 years when she passed away in February of 2015. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Jeff (Hillary), Chris (Lorena), Lisa (Aaron), Barbara (Kyle), six grandchildren, Evan, Megan, Allie, Evie, Ethan and Carter, and was affectionately known as ‘Papa John’ to everyone. John was born in Augusta, Georgia on April 3rd, 1935 but his family lived in Columbia, South Carolina. Though he always considered South Carolina his home state, John moved to Florida in the 60’s where he lived the rest of his life. In 1954, John joined the US Air Force and served honorably in the Strategic Air Command during the Korean War. John’s time in the Air Force took him across the globe including places as far away as England, Germany and Greenland. He wore his SAC veteran baseball cap everywhere he went and was always so proud when approached by strangers and other vets thanking him for his service. John, a Master Mason of Melbourne Lodge Number 143 of West Melbourne, Florida, was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in October 1970 and was active in the Masonic service for nearly 50 years. He was also a member of the Azan Shrine Temple and proudly performed with the ‘Saddlelites’ motorcycle unit in countless parades and competitions. Papa John’s passion and hobby was woodworking and he had a very successful career as a master-level wood floor installer. In his spare time, he loved to craft anything from Adirondack chairs to candle holders and kid’s toys for his family and friends. Dad had an infectious joy and positivity that he shared with everyone he encountered. He was an incredibly patient, loving father and grandfather, constantly sharing his funny, ‘Southern’ sayings and making everyone smile. His first comment of the day was always “Is everybody happy?!” Thanks to him, we always will be, especially knowing he has been reunited with Mom. Military funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 at 1:30pm at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US 1, Mims, FL 32754. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children via https://donate.lovetotherescue.org or by mail to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607