Robert Frank Johnson Sr.

Robert Frank (Bobby) Johnson Sr., 81, loving father, entered enteral peace on October 16, 2015 at the home of his daughter Deana Johnson in Lithonia, Georgia. Bob was born on December 19, 1933 to the late William H. Johnson and Willie Mae (Toler) Johnson of Chicago, IL. He lived a full life always demonstrating a loving and charismatic spirit.

As one of 12 children, Bob affectionately known as “Bobby” was always very proud of the family roots. His love and pride was apparent not only in his close relationship with his children and siblings, but also with the many nieces and nephews that followed over the years. Born in Chicago, IL, at the age of 15 Bob moved to Ypsilanti, MI; at the age of 17, Bob enlisted into the military. As a United States Navy Veteran, educated in Chicago, IL public school system, and graduate of the United States Great lakes Naval Station, Bob served in the Korean War. Later he went on to pursue his Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University (EMU). While attending EMU, Bob met the love of his life Sylvia B. Thomas; Sylvia and Bob married in 1958; and from that union came 4 amazing children, Robert Jr, Marsha, Deana and William.

He was an educator, but later shifted careers in 1963 to accept a position with Ford Motor Company at their corporate office in Dearborn Michigan. After 30 years, in 1992, he retired from Fords as a Cost Analyst and worked in Product Engineering Division.

An athlete at heart, Bob had a strong passion for golfing and bowling and competed in numerous tournaments. A gifted and accomplished golfer and bowler, and as a member of some of the most prestigious leagues, Bob held several leadership roles. Over the years he received numerous honors and athletic awards. Bob was a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. (Q).

Bob truly enjoyed attending church services with his nieces and nephews at Triumph Missionary Church in Detroit. Michigan. He strongly believed in independence, and often provided encouragement on the importance and necessity of a college education. Bob was resilient and had a competitive edge, and embodied the mind set of “Living Life to the Fullest” and “Applying Yourself” with everything that you do. As a result of this philosophy, Bob bowled several perfect games of 300 during his life time.

He enjoyed traveling, sightseeing and often just enjoyed good conversation and good company. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures in life such as siting around laughing and talking with his brothers and sisters and spending time with his children and grandchildren whom lovingly called him “Papa’. Bob strongly believed in family and throughout the years he attended every family reunion, wedding and mile-stone birthday celebration in Michigan and Chicago.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, William H. and Willie Mae (Toler) Johnson, brother Spurgin Johnson, sisters Mildred Johnson, Billie Jean Peal and Thelma Dudley. He is survived by two daughters, Marsha Johnson and Deana Johnson of Atlanta, GA; two sons, Robert F. (Annette) Johnson Jr. of Atlanta, GA, and William Johnson of Beltsville, Maryland; five grandchildren, Jason Estelle, Ashlei Fenderson of Atlanta, GA, Nola Johnson of Cleveland, OH, and Maya and Brandon Johnson of Savannah, GA; four sisters, Ruby Crenshaw, Betty Dunson and Rosemary Dunlap of Chicago, IL and Frieda Wells of Ypsilanti, MI; three brothers, Verdell Johnson of Houston, TX, William (Billy) Johnson and Ronald Johnson of Chicago, IL and of host of nieces and nephews.

In Tears

In tears we saw you sinking, we watched you fade away,

Our hearts were almost broken while you fought so hard to stay.

God saw the road was getting tough, the hill was hard to climb,

He gently closed your weary eyes and whispered “Peace be Thine”.

You left us quietly, your thoughts unknown,

But left us many memories we are proud to own.

So treasure our Lord in Your garden of rest,

For on this earth, You was one of the best.