Obituary of Wilmer Johnson

Wilmer C. Johnson passed away February 26, 2008. He served 37 years in the Duval County school system and as Captain in the United States Marine Corps. He began his career as a Physical Education teacher at John Gorre Junior High School and Lake Shore Junior High School. At the same time, he served as Assistant Football coach at Robert E. Lee Senior High School.

Mr. Johnson was a graduate of Landon High School. While at Landon, he earned athletic letters in football, basketball, and baseball. He also earned a walk on scholarship into Presbyterian College in football. As co-captain in 1946, they lost the Clemson and Citadel and won the next seven games in a row. He completed his college education in 1947 after World War II. He later earned his Masters Degree at the University of Florida. When he returned from Korean service, he served as assistant principal at John Gorre Junior High School. He was appointed the first principal at Jefferson Davis Junior High where he served for ten years. In 1969 he was appointed principal at Englewood Senior High School from which he retired in 1979. During his retirement, the Landon High School Alumnae Association selected Mr. Johnson for the Veteran of the Year Award for his community service. He was a charter member and First Elder in the Orange Park Presbyterian Church, member of Riverside Masonic Lodge 266, American Legion Post 129, Order of the Purple Heart and Presidential Unit Citation. He served in the First Marine Division in Guam, Okinawa, and China.

He is survived by his sons, John Curtis Johnson and Wade Hampton (Carol) Johnson; his daughter Sharon Jane (Clint Scott) Taylor. He is also survived by his brothers Hugh (Barbara) Johnson, Roland (Mary) Johnson; five grandchildren Katy, Christi, Kimberly, Kevin and Allison.

Memorialization by cremation. Donations may be made to Orange Park Presbyterian Church.