John David Harrison, Jr.

John David Harrison, Jr

5/29/1971 – 6/09/2026

Macon, GA - John David Harrison, Jr. was born on May 29, 1971, in Macon, Georgia to Nita Johnson Harrison and John D. Harrison, Sr. He graduated from Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Rabun County, Georgia, and later graduated from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout his career, Johnny wore many hats and made friends everywhere he went. At the time of his passing, he was serving as a Marketing Consultant for WMGT 41 NBC in Macon.

To know Johnny was to know a man who lived life on his own terms. He was passionate, creative, stubborn, loyal, endlessly curious, and occasionally known to be a bit of an ass—a fact he would likely be the first to acknowledge with a wry smile.

Known affectionately throughout Macon as “Dirty Johnny” or “Dirty,” he was an accomplished drummer and conga player. Johnny found community, joy, and purpose through music. He counted many musicians among his closest friends and was happiest either listening to live music or playing on stage or in the studio. As a close friend of Brax and Tate Bragg, Johnny played an integral part in helping establish the Bragg Jam Music Festival as a mainstay within the Macon Music scene. His vision as Event Coordinator in the early 2000s helped propel it from a simple music memorial into what it is today. He was among the passionate group of founders who believed Macon deserved a celebration of its rich musical heritage while also honoring his beloved friends. He took great pride in helping plant seeds of what has grown into one of the city’s most beloved traditions.

Johnny was equally passionate about disc golf and was instrumental in helping grow the sport in Middle Georgia, even if it was in part due to his desire to stop being chased out of Rose Hill by the dreaded Buford Birdsie where he and his friends would often play as they walked through the historic landscape in a manner reminiscent of what the Allman Brothers once did only a few short decades ago. Long before the game became as popular as it is today, Johnny saw its potential. He helped design and develop several local courses, including the original Claystone Disc Golf Course located at Claystone Park on Lake Tobesofkee in 2007. Recognizing the opportunity to create something truly special, he championed the involvement of legendary course designer and player Tom Monroe, helping bring a world-class vision to Claystone that players continue to enjoy today. Johnny's fingerprints remain all over the disc golf community he loved, even at times in a misunderstood way.

While Macon was always home, Johnny's adventurous spirit carried him far beyond Middle Georgia. He spent time out West in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he embraced mountain life and the freedom of wide-open spaces. His time out west impressed a love of the outdoors within him, which is why you could often find him riding in his beloved Jeep with the top off and windows down on his way to the disc golf course or planning a trip down the Ocmulgee with his brother and friends, or on the way to go camping somewhere like the Suwanee Music Park Disc Jams where both nature and music live in harmony. Later in life, Costa Rica became a place that captured his heart with its beauty, simplicity, and sense of adventure. Wherever he traveled, Johnny had a gift for finding friends, stories, and experiences that stayed with him long after he returned home. He lived life with an affinity for music and the outdoors.

Johnny was a graduate of Leadership Macon's Class of 2007 and was constantly dreaming up ideas, projects, and possibilities to make his hometown better. He was a visionary, a promoter of people and places, and someone who never stopped imagining what could be. While his vision and passion were at times misunderstood, as can often be the case with visionaries, Johnny loved Macon deeply.

Though his life was not always conventional, it was undeniably full. Johnny lived boldly, loved fiercely, argued passionately, laughed loudly, and left an impression wherever he went. He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for the energy, humor, generosity, and authenticity he brought into the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his sisters, Leigh Ann Simerly and Jennifer Harrison, both of Macon; his brother & sister in-law, Reid & Elsa Harrison of Bluffton, Georgia; his nephews, Justin Simerly and William Harrison; his niece, Natalie Simerly; and his beloved cat, Sammy.

Johnny's family has been deeply blessed by the outpouring of love, support, stories, and memories shared over the past several weeks. Seeing the many lives he touched has been a tremendous comfort, and they extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who loved and cared for him throughout his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Visit www.reecefuneralhomeinc.com to express tributes.

Reece Funeral Home in Jeffersonville, GA has charge of arrangements.