Eugene Charles "Skip" Johnson

Our beloved father Eugene Charles “Skip” Johnson passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 6, 2023, at the age of 86. Born in Pittsburgh, Skip spent his childhood in Chicago and his teenage years in Orlando. After graduating from Edgewater High School, he attended The Citadel, in Charleston, South Carolina, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. Skip entered the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant and left with the rank of Captain where he was a ranger in the 82 nd Airborne. After his military service he began a remarkable business and academic career. Over the next sixty-one years Skip worked as a sales executive, stockbroker, business owner, corporate trainer, motivational speaker, teacher, and coach. He also obtained an MBA from Rollins College, a Master of Education Arts in Teaching from Memphis University, a post- graduate degree in Business Law from Stetson University and was registered and licensed with the Chicago Board of Trade, the Chicago Mercantile Association, and the New York Metals Exchange. Skip relentlessly pursued the next sale, the next deal, the next degree, and the next accomplishment. His magnetic personality made him a born salesman and a confident public speaker. He knew how to connect with people, how to tell a joke, and how to make an impression. Skip made it a point to remember your name and, if you were lucky, he gave you a nickname that would last forever. He loved to teach and mentor. When coaching a group of over two hundred sales’ people he once said, “if you think you’re in a rut just remember that the only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth of the hole.” His authoritative humor was loved and respected. He was an Eagle Scout, a lifelong Chicago Bears fan who enjoyed fishing, reading, writing, college football, but mostly he loved spending time with his granddaughters and great granddaughter. Skip never slowed down. When he “retired,” he frequently rode his Harley Davidson motorcycle and drove an eighteen-wheeler carrying cross-country loads because he loved the fact that people were paying him to travel. In his later years Skip used to say, “I’m a threat.” He was a threat, in a positive way. He knew how to make an entrance, how to shake things up, and how to make everyone around him feel special. Not only did Skip love people, he was a devout Catholic. Despite his remarkable life, Skip’s proudest achievement was his family. Skip was the loving father of Chip Johnson (Silvia), Peggy Strube (Don), and Ramelle Macgregor (Gregor), cherished grandfather of Karlin Strube Woodman (Joey), Ellie Strube, Gylla Macgregor Matos Flores (Keiter), Sarah Johnson, Mary Helen Macgregor, Anna Strube, Morgan Macgregor, Julia Strube, great grandfather of Ella Jae Woodman, and dear sisters Karen Totten and Linda Crenshaw. Skip was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Velma Johnson. A Funeral Mass for Skip will be held on November 29, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 South Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL, 32819, 11:00 am. Inurnment will be at Summerall Chapel at The Citadel at a later date.

Eugene Charles "Skip" Johnson

September 27, 1937 - November 6, 2023