Donald Ray Johnson Jr.

Don was born on April 14, 1971, in Melbourne, Florida to Donald Johnson, Sr., and Sandra Johnson and was the youngest of three children. After experiencing many fond memories in Melbourne, the family moved to Sarasota in November 1978.

Don attended Phillipi Shores Elementary, Brookside Middle School and Riverview High School (GO RAMS!) where he established many long-lasting friendships that he has carried through to this day.

He met the love of his life, Marci, through a friend’s gathering at Gecko’s in The Landings and married in April 1997. Along with Marci came her daughter Lauren, who Don cherished dearly as his own.

A greater sports fanatic besides Don has never lived! Some of his top favorites: Gators (We COULD stop here since Don was a die-hard Gator fan, but we’ll continue), Lightening, Rays, Braves, WWF Wrestling, Dale Earnhardt Racing, Bucs…but not necessarily in that order.

Another passion of Don’s was American History, specifically the Civil War. He could cite every battle, not only the southern name, but the northern name as well. Don also knew any all specifics regarding the Battle of Gettysburg - generals, troop movements, casualty data, and major events. He was excited to have finally walked the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg (especially Pickett’s Charge) in April 2021 in celebration of his 50th birthday.

Don never missed a family event or a holiday gathering. He was also deemed the official family weather man and kept everyone up to date on incoming weather.

His loyalty to friends and family, pride in his country, his sense of humor, and his vast knowledge of sports stats will be greatly missed.

Don leaves his memory to be cherished by his wife, Marci Johnson (nee Austin), daughter, Lauren Reynolds (Elizabeth), mother, Sandra Johnson, sisters, Pamela Greenhaw (Christopher), and Dara Walker (Doyle), granddaughter, Ophelia Reynolds, grandson, Fitzgerald Reynolds, nieces, Kelsey Adamy (Michael), Carly Hunter, Kaitlin Esper (Christopher), and nephew, Brett Walker (Melanie). He was predeceased by his father, Donald Ray Johnson, Sr. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and dear friends.

Visitation and Celebration of Life will be Saturday, July 19, at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home, 170 Honore Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34232. Visitation 10 A.M., Celebration of Life 11 A.M.

If you would like to make a donation in Don’s memory, please consider the American Kidney Fund, www.kidneyfund.org .