Mr. Lloyd Joseph Johnson

Mr. Lloyd Johnson departed this life on Sunday, June 5, 2011. Lloyd was born May 12, 1932, the son of the late Robert and Lucille Johnson. In 1950, he graduated from Kalamazoo Central High school where he excelled in athletics. He was nicknamed, "Fluid Floyd", because of his talent as a fullback and received a full ride scholarship to Kalamazoo College to play his favorite sport, football. After attending college, he enlisted in the Marines, received several military awards and was honorably discharged after three years of active duty. Lloyd worked in various capacities in the Kalamazoo area, including Red Ball Moving Company and First National Bank (PNC), but he was most proud of the fact that he had the distinction of being the second African-American fireman hired for the City of Kalamazoo, and the first African-American firefighter. He retired after 25 years of dedicated service. Many things were important to Lloyd, but most important to him and for what he will be most remembered was the love for his family and friends, his service to all mankind and his love for the Lord. During his lifetime, Lloyd was a very faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He was a committed Trustee, a dedicated member of Trinity Choir and was involved in many other ministries at the church. As a result of his outstanding service to Mt. Zion, he was selected Man of the Year. Lloyd had great compassion for people and was a wonderful mentor, especially for those young men who were involved in sports. He served on various boards and organizations throughout the Kalamazoo community, including the NAACP, Douglass Community Association, Kalamazoo Community Action Agency, the Horseshoe Club and was "the captain" of the Northside Neighborhood Watch. He was a volunteer for the Kalamazoo Public Schools and for many years he was involved with Northside Rocket Football and the City of Kalamazoo Softball League. He was highly respected for his tenacity, his independence, his integrity, and his strong sense of personal responsibility. Preceding him in death were his two brothers, James C. Jackson and Raymond Johnson; and one sister, Roberta Johnson. Lloyd leaves to cherish his memory: his three children, Anthony (Joanna) Johnson of Detroit and Wendy Johnston, of Kalamazoo and Michael Lever of Milwaukee; his sister, June (Willie) Coleman of Detroit; sister-in-law, Buzette Jackson; grandchildren, Robin, Aaron, Cassandra, Jevestine, Michael and Marteese; two great-grandchildren; his former wife and mother of his children, Bonnie Gamble Johnson; his very "special" brother, Donald Atkinson; his "special sisters", Lola Atkinson and Sadie Miles; his devoted friend, Robert Nichols, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and, of course the Mt. Zion Baptist Church family.

Mr. Lloyd Joseph Johnson

May 12, 1932 - June 5, 2011