Sherman Lee Johnson

On behalf of the entire Tampa greyhound track family, we send our condolences to Sherman's family. We are all so heartbroken. He was such an amazing and selfless man. He will truly be missed. We will forever cherish our fond memories of him.

To the Johnson Family,
My deepest sympathy and condolences. May God bring comfort to you at this time of need. I went to KHS ('77) with Sherman and Brenda.

Sure Man Sure Man Sure Man

Many years ago I worked with a sure man that was the epitome of peace. Always calm, always measured. As my leader, as my mentor I remember bringing a work-related complaint to him. No matter what he was preoccupied with he always took the time to hear me. As I rambled on and on this man maintained his forward seated posture with hands clasped seeming to be at least two thoughts ahead of me while gazing as if peeking into my very soul. After 10 or 15 minutes of my grumblings and not a word uttered from my mentor many revelations began to surface my mind. I would realize:

This man has already concluded the remedy for my grievance within the first 60 seconds of my lengthy dialog.

Maybe I should stop talking now?

But wait, he's actually listening to me.

No, no, just stop!

Oh my God, I can hear myself.

My problem doesn't seem so bad at all.

Okay, wait a minute! Why was I mad again?

"Gosh, I feel embarrassed now!"

After 20 minutes I concluded Ah, it's no big deal. He then smiled that infectious smile and said Yep, that's right. We laughed as I witnessed a man's humility, wisdom, patience, actual care and powerful presence answer my questions and settled my soul without saying very much at all.

I and my mentor worked for different companies yet on the same project. I remember being overlooked for a promotion I was sure would come my way as senior inspector. I leaned into my mentor's ear yet again about my heartbreak as I decided to remove myself from the construction field. This man replied Don't worry about it Kenny, you'll make senior somewhere for somebody. You deserve it. He was the only person to ever say this to me, most people thought I was already a senior inspector.

After an eleven year hiatus of going from really good to really bad, failed business attempts and being scarcely removed from a bout with homelessness I returned to the roadway construction field. The very project I am currently working on had a hard time bring me in, not because of lack of experience or even my time away. It was because all the people that could vouch for me were retired or had moved on at some capacity. All but one, my mentor.

After decision makers contacted him I was given the position with open arms. And by the way the position is senior inspector just like he told me over 11 years ago. Who knew my mentor would have everything to do with what he said would happen so long ago?!

Sure Man Sure Man Sure Man Sherman Johnson Sr.

I.C.U

Many people enter a hospital's I.C.U. Many family and friends suffer the grim reality of doctors saying there is nothing more we can do. Yet this being the end of the story is not always true. With vision from the heart and an unqualified I-SEE-YOU a good man can never die.

I.C.U Mr. Johnson! And thank you!

Video tribute to my friend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9tkn_Du1ys

To the family of Sherman,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Sherman was a man of God, a force of nature, and an inspiration to all who knew him.
He walk through life with confidence and dignity. His high standards of personal discipline and ethics were a shining example to all who knew him.
His enthusiasm for life was infectious.
His love for family was boundless;his sense of duty to others was amazing.
One wonders how one man could accomplish so much in such a short time.
He gave so much of his time and energy helping to shape the lives of so many. He pushed those around him to be better people.
He was a great man and it has been an honor working with him.

To the Johnson Family: so sorry for the loss of your loved one.I am a member of the Church of Faith and Deliverance in Kinston,NC with sisters Juanita and Laureen. Again so sorry and may God keep you all in His care! Vanessa Sutton Kinston,NC

Sherman,

My friend, my mentor, my inspiration.
You will be missed but never forgotten. For all of us that were fortunate enough to have you enter our lives we will know that you will be looking after us until we meet again. Rest peacefully my friend and know that we will honor your last request... "Do Not Be Sad, Remember The Good Times".

Brenda, deepest sympathy to you and your family. Kinston, NC and KHS has you and your family in our prayers.

My professional and personal relationship with Sherman and his family goes back almost 27 years. It has been an honor and privilege to know him, learn from him, and receive support from him through the ups and downs of life. He was truly a gracious and positive influence on everyone he came in contact with whether they knew it or not (LOL). Sherman left behind more than just great memories and a relentless positive attitude toward life, he left behind a legacy. Sherman and I would not be considered "best friends" in the sense of the word, however Sherman was the best kind of friend to have. So in that sense he was my best friend. I will miss him. My deepest condolences. God bless to Sherman, Brenda, Sherman Jr., Brandon, KJ, and the family.

I am so very sorry for your loss. I only met him once, but I knew I met a very special man. He was so very sweet. He will be missed.

To Sherman's entire family, please accept my deepest condolences. I was blessed and fortunate to have known Sherman and to have worked with him for many years. Sherman was a true leader in that people wanted to follow him. He set the example at work for fairness and getting these done right. He was a mentor to all that ask and his wisdom and advice was sought out by many. All of the religious trinkets in his office told you how he felt about the Lord and Sherman's faith was obvious and deep. I am a better person for having known Sherman. May God bless Sherman's soul and family.

My deepest sympathy and condolences to Sherman's family and friends. I worked with Sherman on two of this areas highest profile projects and I can't say enough how much I leaned from this man. Sherman's character expressed honesty, professionalism, integrity and most of all respect. I am deeply sadden to hear of his passing, but we will never forget the lasting impressions that Sherman left on us all. I'm sorry that we never got in that last boat ride.

Every year I looked forward to traveling to Alonso High School to officiate softball games. Coach Sherman was one of a rare breed of coach that made officiating fun. He always seemed to be happy and in control. And you never knew what gem of knowledge he was going to present. The lives he must have touched will forever be enriched. Coach, I know you are finally at rest. We will see you in the future, but you will be missed.

STUNNED, SADDENED, AND SPEECHLESS. OUR PRAYERS & CONDOLENCES. MAY GOD COMFORT YOUR FAMILY AND THE MANY WHO WERE BLESSED TO KNOW YOU. SHERMAN, YOU WILL BE MISSED. RIH MY CLASSMATE AND FRIEND. REV. CLIFTON & CASSANDRA CHESTNUT

My life has been blessed beyond measure having a coworker and friend like you, Sherman. You are a saint among saints now, my friend. You will be sorely missed by so many. My deepest condolences and prayers for the Johnson family. Vay Zagardo

Love you so much coach

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Words cannot explain how I am feeling about the passing of one of the best persons I have the honor of calling my friend. Sherman you have inspired and touched the lives of so many people both young and old. We will all miss you my friend. God Bless

Sherman has been a dear friend and classmate since the 2nd grade, and his wife Brenda and sister-in-law Grenda are my BFFs to the end! He was one of the smartest guys I've known. Feeling heartbroken and sad. Hugs and prayers to the family and friends.

I'm so sorry to hear about Sherman's passing. We were friends for a long time and he will be missed. Our prayers are with all of you. Vince and Lea Gallagher

Dear Brenda, Sherman Jr., Brandon and Kiara,
Sherman was an amazing human being and will be truly missed by all whose lives he touched. Just remember that you never get over his loss, you simply get through it... one day at a time. Our family is always here for you. With much love and prayers for you and your entire family, The Fregeau-Louth family

Sherman,
You will be missed. Prayers to your Family.
Your friend, Frank Proch

The most positive person I have ever met in my life, knowing you made me a better person, my family will always hold the memories we shared together forever, I can't find enough words to say what you meant to me as a friend and what impact you had on my son during his childhood days and beyond, RIP my brother.

So very sorry to hear of your great loss. I will always remember Sherman as a kind, supportive, devoted man and father. Sending my love and prayers to you all. Julie McHenry

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Sherman . He was such a generous guy and he was well respected in the community our prayers are with the family .

Brenda, Sherman, Jr., Brandon and Kiara,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Sherman. He was a great coach and an even better person. We are all better people for having known him. We hope that you will find comfort in the days ahead through your memories of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. RIP Coach Sherman

Craig, Marybeth, Monica and Eric

Extending deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Johnson family. We are here for you.

Kinston High School Class of 1979

From the first time I met you all you left a lasting impression of love on me!! No words can express my sincere condolences. But my prayers for peace strength and wisdom are with you and the family! So thankful my brother Ken could be there!! Love and prayers RIHeaven my dear friend

To the Johnson family: Sherman you touched so many kids on the ball field-boys and girls. A Joy to be around-always teaching and being so positive the 15 years I've known you. I'll remember our last hug and last text on Thanksgiving. We will all miss a very special Man.

Dear Brenda, Sherman Jr, Brandon, and Kiara,

There are no words that we can say to tell you how truly sorry we are to hear of the passing of Sherman. He was such a true gentleman, supportive coach, proud father, loving husband, and friend to so many. His smile and laugh were contagious. He always had a positive attitude and encouraging words for all his players and love for all of his friends. The Tampa community lost a great soul and we will keep him in our hearts and memories and keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Anything that we can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. Love you all.

David, Laura, DJ and Ryan Shives