New Waverly, Texas - Johnnie Weldon Hamer was born on April 13, 1933 to Dolroe and Lillian Hamer in Evergreen, N. C. and grew up in Chadbourne, N. C. as part of a humble farming family. Johnnie graduated from Chadbourne Negro High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953, where he worked in several capacities, beginning as an infantryman and concluding his military career as a manager of the NCO and Officers' Clubs at Fort Hood, Texas.

Johnnie served his country for 28 years with assignments in Korea, Germany and the Republic of Vietnam. Before retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1982, Johnnie was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and a Bronze Star. After retiring from the Army, Johnnie managed food service operations at a number of institutions including Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, as well as Elkins Lake Country Club in Huntsville, Texas.

While stationed at Fifth Army Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, Johnnie met, fell in love with and married Elsie Lewis on August 13, 1960. To this union five children (Mark, Jennifer, Frieda, Lawrence and Stephanie) were born. Together Johnnie and Elsie were blessed to celebrate 65 years of marriage during which they raised a beautiful family that provided them with 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Johnnie accepted Christ at an early age. In later years he served as a deacon before accepting his calling to preach the Gospel. Johnnie was affiliated with churches in New Waverly, Texas to include Macedonia Baptist Church and First Assembly of God in Willis, Texas.

Johnnie was a strong believer in education and committed to self-improvement. He completed training opportunities to further his military career and provide for his family. He and Elsie worked together to support and encourage their children to pursue higher education. Each of their children obtained a bachelor's degree, two completed master's degrees, and two obtained doctorates and all went on to accomplished careers.

Johnnie is preceded in death by his parents, Dolroe and Lillian Hamer; brothers Clifton Hamer, Forrest Hamer, Linwood Hamer, Dudley Hamer, Alton Hamer, Edward Hamer and Leon Hamer; sister Louise Hamer; and in-laws George and Frieda Lewis.

Johnnie departed this life and entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in The Woodlands, Texas, with his family by his side. Johnnie was an example of love, mercy, kindness, commitment and strength. He leaves a rich legacy and an abundance of wonderful memories to be cherished by his wife, Elsie; children Mark (Khadija) Hamer, Jennifer (Clarence Lang) Hamer, Frieda Hamer, Lawrence Hamer, Stephanie (Tom Waddill) Hamer; he was a loving "Papa" to grandchildren Rabha (Gray) Hall, Reginald (Shenika) Garland, Mark Hamer II, Nile Hamer, Brianna LeFlore, Lillian Hamer, Olivia Hamer, Benjamin Hamer, Zachariah Hamer-Lang, Johnnie Waddill, Macy Hamer; and great-grandchildren Melondie Garland, Kalia Pittman, Kaysen Hall, Reece Garland, Camden Hall, Roman Garland, Rexton Garland and Elora Hamer; brother Dolroe Hamer, Jr., sister Audrey Hamer, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A private memorial service for Johnnie will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Parkinson's research.