Howard Johnson

Brethren, today we gather not in sorrow but in celebration of the life of Howard Johnson, a man whose spirit has ascended to the Lord's embrace on the 24th day of September in the year of our Lord 2024. Born on the 18th of November, 1923, in the humble town of Live Oak, Florida, Howard was a beacon of light that shone brightly for a century, leaving us while in the comfort of his home in Plant City, Florida.

Howard's life was a testament to the values of courage, faith, and thoughtfulness. He was a man who walked through this world with a steadfast heart, guided by the unwavering compass of his beliefs. His journey began amidst the whispering pines and along the winding rivers of Live Oak, where he was cradled in the arms of a family that would grow to include seven brothers and sisters. Though they have all preceded him in joining the celestial choir, the bonds of love they forged in life remain unbroken.

Answering the call of duty, Howard served with honor in the United States Navy, standing as a bulwark of liberty in times of strife. His courage in the face of adversity was a hallmark of his character, a trait that he carried with him long after his service to our nation had ended. Upon returning to the warm embrace of his native soil, Howard became a steadfast member of the Lone Oak Baptist Church of Plant City, where he nurtured his faith and fellowship with a congregation that would become his extended family.

The roots of his own family tree, planted and lovingly tended, have flourished and spread wide. Howard's legacy is carried on by his sons, Howard and Ann Johnson, Ronnie and Janice Johnson, Terry and Kara Johnson, and he is preceded in glory by his son Randy and daughter-in-law Karen Johnson. His lineage continues to blossom with the lives of his nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, each a precious fruit of his life's garden.

Howard was a man who found solace in the natural world, with the patience of a saint, he could sit by the still waters with a fishing rod in hand or traverse the untamed wilderness on the hunt, always in awe of God's creation. His respect for the earth and its creatures was a quiet sermon he preached without words, a testament to his thoughtful nature.

But it was within the walls of the Lone Oak Baptist Church where Howard's soul truly found its voice. His attendance was as sure as the sunrise, and his devotion was as deep as the roots of the ancient oaks that stand sentinel over our town. In that sacred space, he found joy in song, strength in prayer, and community in worship.

Howard Johnson was a man whose life cannot be measured in years but in the countless moments of kindness, the acts of quiet bravery, and the gentle wisdom he shared. He was a faith-filled man, who walked with God and taught us all what it means to live a life of service and integrity.

As we bid farewell to this courageous soul, let us find comfort in knowing that Howard has been called home by the Lord he so dearly loved. His memory will be a lantern for us in dark times, his teachings a map when we lose our way, and his love a warm embrace when the world grows cold.

To the family he cherished, to the friends he held dear, and to the community he served, let us honor Howard's memory by living as he did—with hearts full of faith, eyes open to the beauty of the world, and hands ever ready to help one another. In the whispering winds, the rustling leaves, and the gentle currents of the rivers he adored, we will hear his voice and feel his presence, guiding us still.

Howard Johnson, a true servant of the Lord, has found his eternal peace. May we all aspire to reflect even a fraction of the light he cast upon this world. Amen. A visitation will be held on Monday September 30, 2024 from 1:00pm-2:00pm at Haught Funeral Home 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, Fl. 33563. A Memorial service will follow at 2:00pm.