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RONALD LEE JOHNSON, son of Quincy B. and Callie Evelyn Johnson, was born in Williston, SC, the youngest of five children. At an early age, he worked in a drug store. He loved football, and played on his high school team at Williston-Elko High School, where he graduated in 1947. He then enlisted in the Air Force and served three years before receiving his appointment to West Point. While at the Academy, he was on the gymnastics team all four years.
Upon graduation, Ron was commissioned in the Air Force, a big step toward his desire to fly. He attended pilot training, becoming a pilot and instructor. Later, he served as a safety officer before retiring in 1972.
Ron's decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, and Longevity Service Award with four Bronze oak leaf clusters.
Ron and I married in 1955. We were partners for 44 years, raised our family, and traveled with the Air Force for 21 years. We found many friendships along the way. Ron loved his family and was a great role-model, very dependable, generous, and kind. He had a wonderful, quiet, southern manner.
For several years Ron was a financial planning agent for USPA/IRA. One friend wrote, "I'll always remember Ron for how helpful he was when I was getting started with USPA. He always found time to help me with difficult insurance products."
Ron was a faithful member of Beavercreek Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, and believed in "service above self."
His daughter Gail wrote, "Flying will always be a magical connection to you. As I fly on a commercial jet, I can just begin to imagine what it must be like to be entrusted with a zillion-dollar piece of engineering and 'slip the surly bonds of earth.' Looking down on the earth, it seems that the world is so limitless and sparkling, and we are each so small. Yet you taught me that what each of us does, and how we do it, matters."
Ron struggled with Parkinson's disease for about three years. He had to give up playing golf and many other things he loved to do, yet he faced the disease with courage. He made every day special for me. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
May God hold him in the palm of His hand. |
