Donald Ray Johnson Sr.

Donald Ray Johnson Sr., of Sarasota passed away on August 13, 2020 at the age of 80. He was born on November 21, 1939 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and lived there until he was 14, when his parents moved their family to Sanford, Florida, due to Donald’s health. He graduated from Seminole High School in June of 1957, and joined the US Army the following week. Donald was an extremely proud American Veteran and never went anywhere without finding a military brother or sister that he could compare notes with.

Donald also enjoyed a career with Florida Power & Light that began in 1958 as a Groundsman. After meeting and marrying his beloved wife, Sandra, they lived briefly in Pahokee and then settled in Melbourne where they raised their three children. He also held positions as a Lineman and Foreman, and then finally moved into management, which brought the family to Sarasota in 1978. He proudly retired in 2000 with an impressive 42-year career.

Donald was a member of the Harbor City Masonic Lodge #318 and was a 32° member of the Scottish Rite of Valley of Orlando. He was also a 30-plus year member of First United Methodist Church, Sarasota. He was a true man of God that served his church in many capacities.

The biggest memory that most will have of Donald was his ability to tell a story like no other. He regaled his family at each and every gathering with stories of the past. Many were told over and over by special request, however, the family never tired of hearing them, and he always articulated each as if it was his first time.

Donald was God first, family second, and he was an American that bled red, white and blue. He was a true southern gentleman and all that knew him were blessed. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sandra Sue, daughters Pamela (Chris) Greenhaw of Pt. Orange, and Dara (Doyle) Walker of Bradenton, and his son, Donald (Marci) Johnson, Jr., of Sarasota. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Johnson, of Winter Park, and his sister, Janet Keefer, of DeBary. He leaves 4 granddaughters, Lauren Reynolds, Kelsey and Kaitlin Alexander, and Carly Hunter, a grandson, Brett Walker, and two great-grandchildren, Ophelia and Fitzgerald Reynolds.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Fannie Johnson, as well as his brothers, Jerry and Ronald.

Family will receive guests on Thursday August 20, 2020 from 3-4pm at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home, 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota. A Memorial Service will follow at 4pm.

Service will be livestreamed on the funeral home Facebook page starting at 4pm at https://www.facebook.com/RobertToaleAndSons/

Memorial donations can be made to:

Heroes Welcome Home at www.hwhvets.com -or- Pastor’s Discretion Fund, First United Methodist Church, Sarasota www.firstsrq.com

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with final care.