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Robert Johnson Obituary
52 years old, died 9/14/10 after a brief illness. He was born in Newburgh, NY on February 17, 1958 to Lt Col (Ret AF) Clarence L Johnson and Lillian M Johnson. Bob graduated from Choctawhatchee HS in Ft. Walton Beach, FL in 1976, attended UF attaining a MS in Electrical Engineering, and a Professional Engineer license. Bob stayed in Gainesville and worked on projects from sleep monitoring to radio antenna design, to cell phone security to computer network security. He married Nancy Hurley in 1996.
Bob was a kidney transplant miracle survivor - over 31 years of good health. He had many hobbies and interests and could hold a knowledgeable conversation on any topic. Bob was an inventor, woodworker, jewelry maker, home shop machinist, beekeeper, sailor, celestial navigator, and cavern scuba diver. He loved shooting sports, and defending the 2nd amendment. He could give a good massage and wanted to pursue formal training.
Bob was passionate about Amateur Radio and Karate/Aikido martial arts. He was ham radio operator WB4JCM for more than 35 years and held a black belt in karate. Bob was the head instructor of the UF Butokukan Karate club at the time of his death. Bob devoted many years to both UF clubs. A donation to the Gator Amateur Radio Club or UF Butokukan Karate club is requested in lieu of flowers.
Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy, mother Lillian Johnson of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, sister Tonya Pinson, of Tamarac, FL, brother Gary (Janet) Johnson of Niceville, FL and 3 nephews; David (Casey) Pinson of Atlanta, GA, Paul Johnson and Ben Johnson of Niceville, FL.
A memorial for Bob Johnson will be held Sat. 9/18/2010 2:30pm at the Wilmot Gardens bldg, on UF campus (SE corner of North-South Dr/Gale Lemerand & Mowry Dr.)
Bring pictures of Bob, if you have some.
It will be casual and some refreshments will be served.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Johnson
Kyle Magrill
October 10, 2010
Bob was a close friend of my older brother and I knew him for over 20 years. I always considered Bob to be one of the brightest people that I ever knew. Bob was often quiet, observing a discussion until just the pivotal moment, when he would reveal some previously unknown insight that would turn a conversation upside down. I saw Bob do that on many occasions. Despite the fact that he was often the smartest guy in the room, Bob always remained kind and helpful to everyone. We'll sure miss him and our sympathies are with Nancy and the Johnson family.
Col (Ret, AF) John Cherniga
September 27, 2010
Bob lived a few streets over from me in Jr. High and High School. We often rode the same bus during those years. Although I was not a close buddy of Bob's....I remember his smile....his great attitude....and his wisdom beyond our years. He handled his health hardships with aplomb. I too remember when he returned from his transplant operation...and the many successes to follow. It sounds like he touched many along his way. I pray he will continue to do so. For sure...we will remember him at our 35th Choctawhatchee Class of 1976 reunion....next summer. My sincere condolences.
David Sterner
September 23, 2010
I had known Bob since the fifth grade, through high school and college, and we kept in touch in the years since. He was one of a kind. He had so many interests, and was very good at them all. I'm a better person for having known Bob, and will miss him. My condolences to the Johnson family.
Tracy Hodgins-Lott
September 18, 2010
Bobby also grew up with me on Pocahontas Drive and graduated with me at Choctaw He was an inspiration to all that knew him during those fond years. He had an endless smile and a big heart. The Johnson family will be in my hearts and prayers. The alumni of the Choctawhatchee Class of '76 will miss him yet will honor his memory at our 35th Class Reunion next summer. In Sympathy, Tracy Hodgins-Lott
Karen Nelligan
September 18, 2010
In memeory of a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Karen and Bill Nelligan
John Stercho
September 18, 2010
I shared advanced classes with Bobby at both Pryor and Choctawhatchee. I considered him a friend. He was quick witted, smart, and always smiling. I missed him and prayed for him when he left with his Mom to go to Mississippi for his transplant. I was very proud when he returned to graduate with our class of 1976.
My heart goes out to his family - and to Lillian, my special prayer partner, all my love to you.
September 17, 2010
Bobby was my cousin - my mom, Mary and his mother Lillian are sisters. I haven't seen Bobby since we were kids. I can still see his face as he was young and I still remember he always was so funny and use to make me laugh because he always had a witty and funny comment or come back for everything. He had a great sense of humor and even at the young age I was - I was able to realize that he had a much higher level of intelligence than anyone I knew. Throughout the years when Bobby was thought about w/family it always came hand in hand with how fun he was to be around and how smart he has always been. My prayers are with Bobby's family. I'm glad Bobby was able to do so many things he enjoyed.
Terry Fought Zweber
September 17, 2010
Bob grew up across the street from my family. Bob and Gary were good friends with my brothers. I remember Bob as being the more studious, quiet one in the group. He is frozen in my memory as "Bobby" He was wise in his youth and it carried over into adulthood. My condolences to all of the Johnson family.
Bernie Mans
September 17, 2010
To my ham radio friend WB4JCM and fellow computer nerd Bob. He was a true Amiga aficionado, something I teased him about a lot. A "silent key" in ham radio/Morse code lingo at far, far too young an age. Condolence to his family. I will miss him too.
--AA4CG
Barry & Natali Magrill
September 17, 2010
May we offer our most sincere condolences. Bob, was a friend rich in know how and wisdom. I always thought I would see his smiling face for many years at the Orlando Ham Fest. A light for good has gone out. We will miss you Bob.
Terry Audley
September 17, 2010
I only met Bob a few times but always found him fascinating! My thoughts are with you.
Lloyd Bailey
September 17, 2010
Nancy,
I am sorry to hear the news of Bob. He was a great guy and I always enjoyed our conversations.
Sharon Sterner
September 17, 2010
My family spent some very enjoyable time with Bob, especially in his youth. He was always so very curious about everything and was a joy to be around. A one of a kind and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Mike Seufert
September 17, 2010
A great mind has been lost to the ages. Will miss you Bob
Mike
Karen Kirkman
September 17, 2010
Bob was a sweet, very thoughtful and thought-full individual. The photos around his desk in Weil Hall gave just a hint of the very multi-talented, adventurous individual sitting there. I personally appreciated his valuable contributions to network security and IT in general at the University of Florida, specifically the College of Engineering MIS. I will miss him very much.
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