Sam "Speedy" Johnson

Sam “Speedy” Johnson passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully on the morning of August, 30, 2023 at his home in Easton, MA.

Sam was one of the most genuine, kind-hearted and entertaining guys around town. His southern charm and accent lit up a room. He wanted everyone to laugh and enjoy life; he truly loved his family and closest friends, he was one of a kind.

Sam was born on July 6, 1946, and grew up in his hometown of Charlottesville, VA. His childhood friends and family knew him by one name; Speedy Johnson, a self proclaimed legend of the south. He was always the talk of the town: Handsome, charismatic, generous, funny, athletic and the life of the party. A star wide receiver and cornerback in football, guard in basketball and an all-star shortstop on the baseball field, he was admired by many of his closest friends for his athletic abilities. At an early age, Sam lost his mother Doris in a tragic accident. He always talked about his mother’s beauty, how much he missed her, and he extended her love to his siblings. Sam eventually enlisted in the Army and became a rifle sharpshooter, stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War.

He eventually moved to Massachusetts to be with his loving wife and raised two wonderful children. Sam quickly took his athletic abilities to coaching, and spent many years coaching his son and daughter in the local Easton Youth Sports Associations. He made many life-long friendships during this time, those of which he’d cherish and reminisce throughout his later years. Sam loved watching old western television shows like Gunsmoke, his favorite movie Naked Gun, and he thoroughly enjoyed fishing, golfing, tennis, racquetball, the beach, a cold Miller Lite and telling one of his go-to jokes any time he had an audience. He especially loved his children, and took great pride in watching them grow and succeed in life. He passed along his great sense of humor, work ethic and competitiveness to them. Sam was a master pipe fitter by trade, and eventually retired in facilities management at Bridgewater State University. He even attempted a short career in hair dressing, which he’d tell everyone about; “I’ll cut your hair and do your plumbing while I’m there”, followed by his unforgettable laugh.

Sam is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine Johnson of Easton, his daughter and son-in-law, Courtney and Mike Bolger of Easton, his son, Mike Johnson and soon to be daughter-in-law Caitlin Hansen of Easton, his brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Lynn Johnson of Roanoke, Virginia, his sister, Jeanette Wilkerson of Debary, FL, and many of his favorite nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and cousins. He was also the son of the late Macon and Doris Johnson of Charlottesville, VA.

Sam's family will be celebrating his life with a private burial service and local gathering. In lieu of flowers, please have a Miller Lite toast to Sam and remember the good times, jokes and laughter he brought to all his friends and family. He had a big heart and will be truly missed.

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