Robert E. Johnson

Robert Elmo Johnson, age 92, passed away at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, after a brief illness. Bob was a member of “The Greatest Generation” and lived a long, full life. He was born in 1919 in Jacksonville and raised in New Smyrna and St. Augustine, where he attended Ketterlinus High School and was selected to the “All South” all-star team for football. He attended the University of Florida, earning a B.S. in Education and letters in football and baseball. After graduation in 1941, he answered the call joining the Marines. He was trained as a pilot and served 23 years, including the South Pacific in WWII and the Korean Conflict. Following his retirement from the Marine Corp, Bob served over 20 years as a teacher, coach, and athletic director at Landon Jr. High School in Jacksonville. As a longtime Gator booster and Beaches Gator Club member, one of his proudest moments was his interview that appeared on the DVD, “100 years of Florida Football”. Bob loved to fly, fishing, the Gators, the outdoors, and in later life, using his computer for fun and communication. Bob was beloved as a husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was ever proud of his family, especially his grandson. Services, with full Marine Corp honors, will be held 11 am Mon., August 27th in the Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to The “F” Club, University of Florida, Gainesville. Words of condolence may be shared at www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com. HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, Jacksonville Beach, FL.