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Obituary for VINCENT R. JOHNSON
Vincent was born on October 25, 1923 to the late Vincent and Christine Johnson in Calvert County, Maryland. He was a quiet man, a loving man, a great man of humility. He spent his last night doing something he loved "watching a baseball game." As he and Buster watched the O’s and the Yankees, neither knew that would be the last time they would watch a game together, before he slipped away into eternity. He has an array of nick names to include: Cooley, Cool Breeze, Uncle Cooley, Babe-Buddy, Dad, Mr. Babe-Buddy, and Pop, but the apple of his eye, his wife called him "Pa."
Vincent married the love of his life, Constance L. Weems, on October 17, 1953. This year would have marked 63 blissful years of marriage for the couple. He was a man of peace, love and happiness. Vincent honored his wedding vows and stood by them "in sickness and in health." This unity filled the home with much love and understanding as they raised five children that grew to become fine imitators of this great man.
Vincent received his education in the Calvert County Public School System. He enlisted in the United States Army in July 1943 and served his country proudly. Upon his return from the military, he secured gainful employment with O’Berry Marine, located in Solomons, Md where he worked for over 30 years.
Vincent may have been slow to speak, but he was a highly intelligent man. He was a master of all trades; however, he earned his prestige and recognition in the boating community. His expertise encompassed outboard boat motors. After his employer witnessed, his great potential and self-taught wit of understanding the workings of a boat motor, they sent him to Waukegan, Illinois for outboard motor specialty training. He returned to Calvert County and put Solomons on the map. People came from near and far to have him restore, maintain or refurbish their outboard motors. Everyone that visited his home, remembered seeing a slew of boats in the backyard waiting for his undivided attention. Some boats were there seasonal as boaters found the Johnson’s home a cool place to hang out down by the water; while other boats remained for repairs or maintenance.
Vincent always took time out to help others with their boats and whatever else they needed. However, he never neglected time of rest and relaxation for himself and his family. When the time came, he painted the skiff, inspected it, shined it up, checked out the motor, got his fishing gear and hit the water. He often chartered fishing parties while many just enjoyed the ride and fellowship; even if they did not catch one fish. He would take anybody out fishing that wanted to go. Pa would tell you what time he was leaving and if you were late (except Sidney) you were left behind -- standing on the dock of the bay watching him roll away. You remember that tune? He was an excellent waterman and loved to oyster and fish. If you attended St. John’s Church, I am sure you have had some of his delicious Spot or Croaker fish and oysters.
Vincent loved the Lord and regularly supported his church. He was a member of the United Methodist Men. Also, he was recognized as a member of the "Psalms 91 : 10 Club" which honored church members over 70 years of age.
Vincent has some secrets that many of us did not know. For example: Did you know he loved pets? (King, Rusty, Shorty and Shiny) He was a prize boxer while in the United States Army. He played baseball, with the Calvert All Stars. He was an excellent cook. For enjoyment, he danced, played cards, worked on outboard motors and watched sports. Who knows the names of his favorite sports teams? (Washington Redskins and Baltimore Orioles) One of his famous saying was, "Every shut eye ain’t sleep and every good-bye ain’t gone." Who knew that?
Vincent leaves to cherish his memory: loving wife, Constance; devoted children: Paulette (Sidney) , Terry (Trudy), Vincent (Faye), and Winfred (Dimitra); beloved grand-children: Tara, Bryant (Coretta), Paulita, Shawan (Don), Travin "TJ", Sheila (Bobby), Patrice, Troy, Eric and Breanna; twelve great-grand children; two special cousins: Jeremiah Hutchins and John Walter Gray, Sr. and a host of relatives and friends; his caring in-laws: Samuel (Mary Ellen), Stewart (Doris), Charles, Mae Helen (John), Alverta, Elsie and Celeste. He has now gone to join his loved ones that preceded him in death, son Steven and all of his siblings: Richard, Thomas, Frank, Jeanette, Mary Frances and Ruth.
