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"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow, don't walk behind me, I may not lead, Just walk beside me and be my friend." -Unknown.
Gregory Spencer Johnson, son of the late Wesley Howard Johnson, Sr., and Edythe Cooper Summers Johnson, was born April 5, 1952, in Harrisburg, PA and tragically departed this life January 20, 2011.
Greg graduated from John Harris High School where he excelled in music and theater. He also received a Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Studies from Harrisburg Area Community College.
While in high school, Greg began a professional career as a musician and song writer that lasted throughout his life. He played keyboard instruments and provided background vocals for local bands, including Hydraulic Peach, Sun Machine, Afterglow, Blitz Dynette, Middleton Brothers, and the Stan Middleton Band. Greg was known for his musical skills across the nation and beyond. A highlight of his career was recording with Grammy Award Winner Joe Cocker.
Greg grew up in Capital Presbyterian Church where he was a member of Westminster Fellowship and a Sunday School teacher. He was also a member of the NAACP Youth Council.
While in high school, Greg began to supplement his musical career by working with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. During this time, Greg worked at the Departments of Transportation, Revenue, Public Welfare, Labor and Industry and the Governor's Office. In 1989, he began long-term employment with the Department of Revenue as a clerk and ultimately advanced to his most recent position of Tax Service Information Supervisor. Greg was also a long-term member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Greg's memory is cherished by his devoted brother, Wesley H. Johnson, Jr., along with his wife Debi; nephews, Stephen-Lawrence and Daniel-Clayton; niece and goddaughter, D'ani Sina; great-nephew, Wesley Stephen-Lawrence; aunts, Alfreda and Claire Johnson and a host of relatives and friends.
Greg was a loyal son, brother, uncle and friend, who would start a conversation with "What's haaaappnin" and pepper it with "Blah, blah, woof, woof."
Services will be held Saturday, February 5th at 11AM in the Hooper Memorial Home Inc.
www.hooperfuneral.com www.pennlive.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Wes,
I was saddened to hear of Greg's passing. It's been years since I've seen Greg, but I'll always remember his smile and wonderful laugh. May God Bless you and your family.
Gloria Jack
February 19, 2011
Greg, As a long time childhood friend church member, neighbor, and John Harris classmate your joyful smile and wonderful talents will truly be missed. I am thankful that had this time together in our lives. May you now be at peace with our Lord.
Rhonda Dickason-Stevenson
February 17, 2011
Also his humor, smile and musical talent
will be us forever! God blesses.
Constance Rhoad
February 16, 2011
Coulnot seem to find my message! SPencer as I remember him from back in the days.
Met him at a gig, Strawberry Square in 80's. He walked my friend and I across the street to our car from Scott's. God Blesses and Heaven Bound.
Connie Rhoad
February 16, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 16, 2011
My condolences to my brother Bryan and Gregs family...what a terrible loss for everyone...May God Bless you all in this time of grieving.
Sandy Bretz
February 16, 2011
my brother bryan was greg's roommate, he was a very nice person,he will be dearly missed...god bless
david hassell
February 15, 2011
For years I'd see Greg at the Pep Grill and usually chat with him. I thought he was a great guy. I enjoyed Greg's major contributions to the Stan Middleton Band's performances. I offer my sympathy to the family, to Brian, to Greg's bandmates, and to all who will miss him as I will.
Jim Buzby
February 11, 2011
Hello Wes and Family,
May God grant you peace during this time of sorrow. I have many happy memories of Greg, especially back in our High School Days, our small group of friends that hung out at Greg's house gettin' groovy and diggin' the sounds. Greg always kept us laughling with his rapier wit...always right on time. I consider myself blessed to have shared his friendship.
Cynthia Phoenix
February 11, 2011
Will always remember Greg fondly. My blessings go out to his family and friends.
Barbara Boline
February 10, 2011
I have known Greg for almost 40 yrs. but we loss touch after I left Harrisburg. I do remember his kindness and easy going spirit. May he rest in peace. My sympathy goes out to the family .
Bobby Runkle
Robert Runkle
February 8, 2011
Our Dear Gregory, You spread kindness, compassion and thoughtfulness in this world. The world is a much smaller place with You not here with us. Rest in Peace
Michael Dougherty
February 8, 2011
Hello Wes, Debi and family. I just wanted to say how much I know you hurt right now but know that God is still in control,.. May you and the entire family be Blessed during this time of sorrow..
Joe Summers
February 8, 2011
May God give Greg's family peace at this very difficult time. I graduated with Greg and as I knew him he was very talented and loved music. He will be sincerely missed.
Paula Rideout-Harris
February 7, 2011
Greg, I will miss you enormously. You were my best friend in life. I will miss your smile and your laughs. The world now misses an extraordinary man.
Alain Gerard
February 6, 2011
When your heart is broken it is the saddest thing in the world. All your energy leaves you and everything in your life seems to lose all meaning. Death ends a life, not a relationship. There are things we don't want to happen but have to accept, and people we can't live without but have to let go. Yesterday's funeral helped with my grief. " Tears are the silent language of grief" -Voltaire
Patricia Moulfair Hemani
February 6, 2011
I will forever miss my FRIEND Greg. He sat behind me in Taxpayer Services for years. He knew my family and we shared plenty of laughs. We would eat lunch together at Pep Grill. I'm sooo blessed to have shared his space! I love you Greg!
Michelle Lomax-Chambers
February 6, 2011
Dear Wes, Debi and Family:
Saddened to hear of the loss of your brother. Please know that God is with you and His peace He will provide. Know that we are praying for you all.
Love and God's Blessings,
Marva and Joe West & Family
Marva West
February 5, 2011
To the Johnson Family, with Heartfelt Sympathy and wishes of peace during this most difficult moment. Like so many others, Greg & I shared the path of life from Allison Elementary, Edison Jr. High, to the halls of John Harris; always sharing a smile with words of life. God's Grace shall cover you with Peace & Strength
Robert (Bob) Dillard
Robert Dillard
February 5, 2011
May time's passing somehow help you to ease your sorrow and the memories left behind bring comfort for tomorrow.
Nate and Vikki Weems
Nate Weems
February 5, 2011
I am very sorry about my friend Gregory passing. He was a very dear friend and a very kind person. We all will miss Gregory very much .
Walter Andrews
February 4, 2011
To the Johnson Family:
…Never Key Bored
Even when moving his hands slow
across an electric piano
he played with “hot sauce” fire
got caught in the spire’s
eclectic, grand flow
of music divine.
With effusive design
he could hush a breeze.
When he touched the keys
& composed a piece
the solar system
& the polar distance
closed the breach
between hot & cold.
GOD is with you during this time of bereavement.
lonnie walker
February 4, 2011
Sorry to hear of Greg's passing. I remember how tight him and Alfie use to be. I bet they're playing sweet music together. My God bless you all.
Hugh (Huck) Woolridge
February 4, 2011
Dear Wes,
Our prayers are with you.
Cousins,
Elenora,Mike,Steve and Norman
The Campbell family
February 4, 2011
Dear Wes and Family, we're thinking of you guys. Condolences from the Ferris family. Peace be with you!David Ferris
February 4, 2011
Wes, Debi and Family, words can't express how I feel about all of you. You remain in my prayers and in my heart.
Carolyn
Carolyn Giddings
February 4, 2011
Greg was an angel amoung us, sent down to us from somewhere up above (Alabama). Bless the family and my Dear Friend Greg.
Anthony Nikoloff
February 4, 2011
May you rest in peace for all eternity. Will miss seeing you and you always saying hello to me :)
February 4, 2011
To the family of Gregory Johnson
We are sincerely sorry to hear of the passing of Gregory. We hope you will find peace and strength in your faith, family and friends at this time of loss.
Would a member of the family at a later time please REGISTER Gregory so he will also be honored and remembered in the HISTORICAL PRESERVATION RECORD of those who attended JOHN HARRIS HIGH SCHOOL, as he was a cherished attendee of this institution.
Please go to www.johnharrishighschool.ORG and submit the information for GREGORY using the REGISTER HERE page. Please feel free to register all other family members who attended Harris as well, living and deceased.
God Bless…..JHHS Classmates
Skee Derr
February 4, 2011
I was very fortunate to have known Greg. We were friends for many a year. He was one of my best. He will be missed.
Terry Penn
February 4, 2011
My heart is heavy at the loss of my friend. My thoughts are with your family in this time of sorrow and Heavens band just got better. RIP Gregors!
Doreen Curtis
February 4, 2011
I never saw Greg without a smile. Much like is mom he seemed always happy and a great person to be around.
God must have needed some music up there.
RIP Peace Cuz.
Terry Waters
February 4, 2011
I was saddened to see Greg depart our world so suddenly. I loved hearing him play the keyboard at local gigs. He was truly a humble human being who will be missed by many in this community. His passion for music will live on in all of us. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Missy Berrell
February 4, 2011
I didn't know Gregory personally, only from our daily bus rides. He was always so pleasant and said "hi" to me and others. Very sorry that I won't be seeing his smiling face and positive outlook anymore. Harrisburg lost a truly good man.
Mark Armbruster
February 4, 2011
We were saddened to hear of Gregs passing, he will be missed greatly. He will be remembered for his music, he was a great musician. He will live on in our memories.
William & Robin Hill
February 4, 2011
I too was one of the fortunate ones who worked with Greg for many years in the Department of Revenue. His smile was infectious as well as his love of his family. My deepest sympathy to his family and may his memories bring you comfort not only today but forever.
Nany Jones
February 4, 2011
Wesley, Debi, Alfreda and Kids. I am so sorry to hear about Greg. My parents are with the family. I am with you in spirit. Rev. SanDawna Ashley
SanDawna Ashley
February 4, 2011
Wes, Debi and family, please know that I keep you in my heart and prayers.
Meggie
Mary Gaul
February 4, 2011
RIP my friend. I will miss you.
Larry Sadler
February 4, 2011
Johnson Family, It was such a great pleasure watching Greg perform.He will be sadly missed. God bless. Marty G Green John Harris Class/1968
marty g green
February 3, 2011
To the family of Greg. I have known Greg for many years and worked with him at the Department of Revenue for 16 years. I even went to see him play several times. There is no words to express the man that he was, he will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his entire family.
Tanya Bryant-Jones
February 3, 2011
Greg Johnson Family,
I pray that your faith and trust in God will keep you strong at this time. Greg was indeed a silent inspiration to me and I will miss his self-detemination.
peace to you, Harold "Lark" Lowery
John Harris Class/ 1970
Harold Lowery
February 3, 2011
Wes, you have lost a great brother and I a great friend. I will always remember the great times we had together.
Jake Hooper
February 3, 2011
Love you, Greg...miss you.
Jerry Vath
February 3, 2011
I was doing a temporary assignment in the Pennsylvania Insurance Department last year. I came out of Strawberry Square and needed an umbrella because of the rain. I asked this gentlemen if he would walk me to the post office. Lo and behold, as I read the paper it was Greg Johnson who was so kind to me that day.
May God Bless your entire family.
Patricia Stringer
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
February 3, 2011
I extend my deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones. May God give you peace.
Regina Weems Alridge
February 3, 2011
Very kind, funny etc.......
I will remember him fondly.
George Mills
February 3, 2011
Greg was a great musician and so very friendly to me and to everyone he met . I know from just seeing him in the various bands how so many people gravitated to him and he always had time to speak to them. He will be missed by so many. So sorry for family and friends for their loss.
lyn schied
February 3, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Greg 30 plus years ago when I lived in Harrisburg and what a special person he was! He could not have had a better personality. He was a pleasure being around. Although we lost touch after leaving the area I will always remember the kind, gentle, easy spritied guy he was. He was a talented person. My sympathy to you all at this time.
Fred Cable
February 3, 2011
I only met Greg once last summer at my neighbor's house. We discovered we had a couple of friends in common when he told me he worked at Revenue. I felt as if we had been friends for years-from what I hear, he had that affect on people. I am sad because I won't have the chance to know him better. My heart goes out to his family and dear friends. I know he will be missed.
Judy Aims
February 3, 2011
I had the pleasure and enjoyed working with Greg in Customer Service, Dept of Revenue. Greg was GOOD people
Shelly Good
February 3, 2011
I met Greg in Washington,D.C, where he and his band were performing at a dinner-club before I moved to Harrisburg.He was always pleasing and jovial.I enjoyed his presence. He'll be missed. Ira
Ira Kemp
February 3, 2011
Greg was a wonderful friend and a gentle spirit. I am fortunate to have such beautiful memories. He was loved by everyone who knew him.
susie albright
February 3, 2011
Wes, Debi and family,
My heart goes out to you.
Rita
February 3, 2011
Sam and I have had the honor of knowing Greg for more then 20 years. He was truly a friend and part of our family. Whether we were having a "splash" at home or he was helping us at the Chica, Greg was there for us. He was one in a million and we miss him deeply. Wes, he was so happy that you and your wife were moving into "mom's house" and proud as a peacock of his new great nephew! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please remember God's Will, will never take you where God's grace can't protect and comfort you.
Sam and Mary Kable
February 3, 2011
I Always said that God takes the best. Greg will be missed. He would always come and check on me to make sure I was busy and he would say, that he is just checking on me. Every morning he would greet me with a smile and say (Heyy what's going on trouble?) And would make sure I had my coffee. Gregg your one in a million and I will see you again one day. Living or dead every time you hear someone say his name all you can do is smile.
Danette Sellers
February 3, 2011
A nicer person you will never meet. Great sense of humor.
Larry Thomas
February 3, 2011
To a true gentleman who always had kind words and a great smile: I miss you.
Eric Selvey
February 3, 2011
Greg was such a gentleman, and a gentle man. I had the pleasure of knowing him well over 20 years. My heart is heavy, knowing he no longer walks on this earth. But, I have Faith that we shall meet again in the Heavens. God Bless his family and friends while we all deal with this terrible tragedy.
Dot Latin
February 3, 2011
We will always remember Greg and will miss him. His memory will always be cherished by us. He truely was a bright spot in our day. We will keep him, family, and friends in our hearts and prayers.
Anne & Buddy
February 3, 2011
I just met Greg this last past year when I came to taxpayer services. He was always a person whom I could go to for help no matter how busy he was. I would knock on his cubicle wall and he'd say "Whats happening". I will miss the presence of his smile and his attitude to always assist. My condolences goes out to his family.
Lenora Hernandez
February 3, 2011
Greg was a down to earth, good man who never seemed to stress and knew how to put a person at ease with his relaxed, laid back demeanor. He was just a real cool guy and will be greatly missed by a lot of people.
Stephanie Wright
February 3, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Greg will be missed and his memory will live on. Greg was a very special person and kind to everyone he knew.
Chuck Megonnell
Chuck Megonnell
February 3, 2011
Our sincere condolences go out to Greg's family. We knew Greg from his music and being a fellow classmate at John Harris (Dean) we have many fond memories over the years, so sorry... he will be missed.
Dean & Claudia Decima
Dauphin, PA
February 3, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
gloria runkle
February 3, 2011
Wes, I am so sorry for your lost. Greg and I have a great history together as friends and musicians. Everytime I would call him to say hi, his first line would be, "What's Up, Big Daddy". To lose someone as special as Greg is devistating for his friends and family. My prayers go out to you and your wife. God Bless
Glenn Hatcher
February 3, 2011
i had lunch with Greg everyday at the Pep Grill and happy hour. he was funny and a great friend. i miss him so much and expect him to be at the corner of 3rd and walnut waiting for me after work. i really loved him. Dawn Coleman (Harrisburg, PA)
Dawn Coleman
February 3, 2011
Wes & Deb - Deepest and sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Sandi Logan
February 3, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Darlene Bullock Washington
February 3, 2011
No words can express my sorrow in losing a friend such as Greg. He was one of the good ones that lived his life. Such a tragedy to lose someone so young. Family be assured he is at peace and I know he loved each and everyone of you. Greg will be missed and his memory will live on.
February 3, 2011
I went to high school with Greg I will always remember that smile and his cool demeanor Rest In Peace Greg
Denny Martin
February 3, 2011
Patricia Moulfair
February 3, 2011
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