David L. Johns, 84, of Naples, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Hospice Care of Naples. A native of Meigs, GA., he was the son of Preston Johns and Retha Mae Johns, born on Tuesday, September 22, 1936. At an early age the Johns family relocated to Palatka, FL, where he was raised and educated.  David was a 1956 graduate of Central Academy High School.  Following graduation, he enlisted into the United States Army, serving in the states and abroad (Germany/South Korea).  He was awarded the Marksman badge (Rifle & Carbine) and earned a diploma in Outstanding Leadership Qualities, First Cavalry Division, Non-Commissioned Officer.  His training included  7 ^TH Infantry Division Guerrilla Warfare School and Overseas Service European Command and in 1967, SGT Johns was honorably discharged.

David enjoyed playing golf and was a member (2003-2021) of the LaPlaya Beach and Golf Club.   David's professional and community affiliations includes:  CEO & President of Suffolk Painting Company Inc. – Bohemia, NY; Life Member of Republican Presidential Task Force (attended both Inaugurations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush, respectively); Life Member, Republican Senatorial Inner Circle – (nominated by Senate Republican Leader, Senator Bob Doyle); Featured on the West Wing Republican Senatorial Inner Circle Hall of Fame; Member, State of New York Painting and Decorating Contractors of America; Member, New York State Council, Inc. of P.D.C.A.; Member, American Legion; President, Bayshore, NY., Jr. Football League.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his brothers, Lonnie and Gregory Johns; son-in-law, Walter "Sir Walter" Oliver; grandson, Frederick E. Bennett, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memories: sons, Leon (Loretta) Johns, Birmingham, AL; Roney Johns, Amityville, NY; daughters, Cynthia (Frederick, Sr.) Bennett, Oklahoma, OK; Linda Johns Oliver, Palatka; Nancy (Jeff) Bozeman, Fairburn, GA; 12 grandchildren ; 10 great-grandchildren ; brothers , Milton Johns, Jacksonville;  Bernard Johns, Long Island, NY; sisters, Martha Washington, Tallahassee; Melba Johns and Irene Johns, both of Palatka; brother-in-law, Author Camejo, Palatka; aunt, Maple Gary, Valdosta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines including required masks with social distancing, a private family memorial committal with U.S. Army military honors will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, February 11 at Evergreen Cemetery, 1050 Westover Drive, Palatka.