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Karl Ray Johnson a Remarkable Man

Karl (Ray) Johnson, A Remarkable Man

The first time I met this remarkable man 
I was just seventeen years old,
and as I stood to be introduced to him and stood until he said,
“Just don’t stand there, sit down” so I sat down with a bang as I was told.

Oh yes, he was rough and gruff in appearance 
and all manner of his speech,
but he had a great deal going for him, knowledge and know how
that I’m pretty sure he was certainly able to teach.

The outward appearance of the early days 
would also cause others to believe that he “sure’ is hard, 
but the day that I saw him break down and cry when his dad died
broke for me that disguise.

Oh sure, he had a manner about him that was rough 
but also a strength and a courage to,
and others found he had a heart of gold 
especially those in need of his help there was nothing that he wouldn’t do.

We will miss this man, this courageous giver of himself
this worker for others he was, 
and we will remember back at the funny things he did
like his saying, “What’s going on”? and we will think and want to pause.

The day of his memorial 
what a testimony to this Ray for all of his deeds,
for many people came to honor where honor was due
a man, a husband, a father, and a brother to thank him for helping in their need.

Written by:  Marilyn S. Jennings
May 2017

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Elizabeth Kinch Date: 7/5/2017 2:30:00 PM What a lovely tribute. Login to Reply Marilyn S Jennings Date: 7/5/2017 5:23:00 PM Thanks, Elizabeth, he really was quite a man. Marilyn S Jennings Date: 7/5/2017 5:23:00 PM Thanks, Elizabeth, he really was quite a man.