Robert "Perry" Earl Johnson

Perry, who moved to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi in the late 1980s, first made his living as a skilled carpenter. In time, he discovered his true calling working with troubled youth; For many years he served as a dedicated mentor and coach in schools across the island, offering guidance and steady support to youth in need and made a career at Na 'Ohana Pulama Catholic Charities. His commitment to the youth deepened further when he opened his home as a foster father to a total of eight young boys, each of whom found in Perry a steadfast source of care, stability, and belief in their worth.

Born May 6, 1946, in Waco, Texas, he was the sixth child of Clarence and Ruth Mae Johnson, both of whom preceded him in death. Known to family as “Perry” after his grandfather Perry Taylor, he was proudly called “AxHead” by teammates and classmates, a nickname bestowed by rival football player “Mean” Joe Greene that perfectly captured his hard-hitting style and stuck with him for life.

Service to be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, 11:00am at Rivers of Grace Church of God, 122 Haili St. in Hilo; followed by luncheon.

He is survived by: His loving wife, Agatha Saimon Johnson of Hilo; Daughter Princecine Johnson Myers (Kurt) of Maryland; step son J.B. Saimon (Sisaleen) of Micronesia; step son M.J. Saimon (DayLegina) of Honolulu; step daughter Ann Murie (Arty) of Minnesota; Foster son Kingston Hawai’i; Beloved granddaughter Ailani Myers of Maryland; 5 Step granddaughters; 8 Step grandsons;

Sisters, Autrie Williams of Arizona and Nadine DeBose (Billy) of Texas; One aunt; and a host of island and mainland nieces, nephews, cousins, former classmates, dear friends and colleagues.