It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald Herbert Johnson announces his passing on Sunday April 25, 2021 at the age of 72. Ron will be lovingly remembered by his wife of ten years, Sheri Johnson. Ron is also survived by his first wife Ruth and their two children Rodney (Yangzi) Johnson and Robin Johnson; his second wife Joanne and their two children, Katharine (Christopher) Walker and Kimberly Johnson. Ron will also be lovingly remembered by his brother Wayne Johnson, Uncle Richard Geraci, and his three granddaughters, Taylor, Ava, and Scarlett.
Born in Oswego, NY, Ron briefly lived in Brooklyn, NY before moving to the Venice, FL area. Ron graduated from Venice High School in 1961 and began working in construction trades with his grandfather. He then moved to Jacksonville where he began as a parts man for Pilot Equipment, quickly working his way up to Parts Manager, then into Sales. Ron’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to buy a Bobcat dealership in Orlando, where at 28 years old, he was the youngest dealership owner in the U.S. Ron was assisted by his brother Wayne, best friend Bob Wolframe, and son Rodney. Ron sold the business and retired at 36 years old. Never a man to slow down, Ron re-entered the construction equipment world where he excelled as a National Sales Rep for Gehl Company, and then to National Sales Manager for the Eastern US Division of Daewoo Corp. Always an entrepreneur at heart, Ron turned down a promotion for President. He then opened RJ Equipment Inc. with the help of his brother Wayne. RJ Equipment later went on to employ each of Ron’s children, Robin, Katharine, Kimberly and most recently, son Rodney. Wife Sheri worked beside Ron as the Vice President of Marketing. Ron successfully ran this business until he officially turned it over to his son Rodney in February 2021.
Ron was a lifelong student of fine wines and fine dining, regularly enjoying evenings out with his wife Sheri. Ron’s collection of fine wines and his cooking expertise were hobbies that everyone around him were invited to enjoy. Ron’s love of family led him to build an outdoor kitchen/bar where he and wife Sheri regularly hosted weekend BBQ’s. Ron and his family enjoyed swimming, boating, wave runners, jazz music, wines from his collection, and of course indulging in his famous smoked ribs and chicken.
Always generous with his time, his love of family and his enormous love for life, Ron will be forever missed and forever in our hearts.
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