Thomas Robert Johnson, M.D. May 15, 1970 - April 3, 2000 Tom's obituary on delawareonline.com: Thomas R. Johnson, MD passed away suddenly from an accidental drowning, on Santa Rosa Beach in Pensacola, FL where he was vacationing on Monday, April 3. He was 29 years old. Thomas was born May 15, 1970 in Alexandria, VA. He is survived by his guardians, Reverend Daniel and Sharon McCready, and their children (considered Thomas' siblings) Jake, Jamie, Jordan and Jenna-Rae McCready, all from Wilmington, DE. Rev. Robert and Pauline McKinney and Sheila McKinney from Wilmington also survive him. His biological father, Thomas Johnson, an uncle, Robert Barchers and Dennis Bross from Cape Coral, FL, survives Thomas. His biological mother, Sondra Gilkerson and a sister, Tonya Jones from Early Branch, SC survives Thomas. He also has a sister, Sherry Beecher from Virginia Beach, VA. Thomas has 2 nephews and 3 nieces. Thomas is also survived by scores of colleagues and friends from all over the country, including his special friend and mentor, Keith Jeffords, MD. Thomas Johnson was a 1988 graduate from Thomas McKean High School in Wilmington, DE. In 1992, he received a Bachelor of Science "magna cum laude" from Lee University, Cleveland, TN. Dr. Johnson received his medical degree in 1998 from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA. He was continuing his postgraduate medical training in General Surgery at the University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL. Dr. Johnson was the recipient of many awards. He attended Lee University on full academic scholarship. While at Lee, Dr. Johnson was elected into the membership of Alpha Chi National Honor Society (serving as Vice President), Alpha Phi Delta Premedical Honor Society (serving as President) and Kappa Gamma Pi Science Honor Society. He was elected to "Who's Who Among Students" in American Colleges and Universities in 1992. He received the Tennessee Institute of Chemists Award in 1992. He was particularly proud of his induction into Upsilon XI Fraternity in 1989. Dr. Johnson held several offices including induction chairman and was the first Senior Member office holder. After graduation from Lee University, Thomas continued his participation with Upsilon XI. Several memorials have been established to remember Dr. Johnson's contagious "love of life" and generous service to others. The brothers of Upsilon XI have established a scholarship fund in Dr. Johnson's name to remember the contributions he made to their organization. Financial contributions can be sent to: The Thomas Johnson, MD Scholarship Fund, Lee University, P.O. Box 3450, Cleveland, TN 37320-3450. Additionally, the University of South Alabama Department of Surgery has established the "Thomas Johnson, MD Award" to be given annually for outstanding performance by a surgery resident. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either of these 2 most prestigious memorial funds. Services will be held at MCCRERY FUNERAL HOME, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE. Friends and family are invited to attend the viewing Tuesday, April 11 from 7-9 p.m. The services will be held Wednesday, April 12 at 11 a.m. - Tuesday, April 11, 2000 Tom was doing quite well in Alabama and enjoying his surgical residency. He was proud of what he accomplished while he was at EVMS and during his time as a resident. Tom's acceptance to medical school was a turning point for him and I know many of you had a significant impact on his life. I also know many of you loved him as much as I did and still do. So please, take a moment to smile at the memory of Tom Johnson. - Dana Erikson Ramirez Tom was one of the best friends I have ever had and knowing him made me a better person. He was one of the noblest, most giving, and most caring people I've ever known. His death has taken a part of me. I cannot understand how a tragedy like this happens and I do not know how to cope with it. I have sequestered myself in my own small insignificant world over the last 2 years and I am sorry that it took the death of one of my best friends for me to remember my class and the friends I have there. I wish you all the best and the strength I do not feel I have now to deal with the death of our classmate and my best friend, Thomas Robert Johnson. - Jafar Tay I was shocked and saddened to learn of Tom's death. I'm glad that this Web page can play a role in helping the class communicate with one another about this. Your messages here are a far better memorial to Tom than I am capable of putting together on my own. His loss is tragic in so many ways, and a reminder of how precious and fragile life itself is. He will be sorely missed. - Kent Willyard I was so shocked when I heard about Tom. My thoughts and prayers are with Mike and Tom both. It really makes you realize how quickly life can turn on you and how thankful you should be for what you have. I wish I could do more... - Kiersten Wilson From an article in the Mobile Register: Dr. Jeff Ryan, 34, worked side by side with Johnson at USAMC. "He was a close personal friend," Ryan said, pausing to compose himself. "His patients loved him. Not just children - everybody." Dr. Randall Powell, a pediatric surgeon, said Johnson was training under him. "I was thinking last night when I heard this that last Friday he was finishing his rotation at (USA) Children's and Women's Hospital...and he was saying goodbye to all of the personnel on the different floors," Powell said. "The ward clerks, the nurses, and everyone had a kind smile and a wave for him as he was saying goodbye. - Contributed by Rusty Horton I would like to express my grief at the news of Tom's death, but also, as Dana suggests, take a moment to smile in Tom's memory. I can't help but smile. Tom was one of the funniest, most fun-loving guys--always laughing, cutting up about something. Tom was one of a kind!! I can't comprehend the pain Tom's family must be feeling, but my thoughts and prayers are with those closest to him. Take a moment to smile for Tom. - Tara Prieur The amazing part of this horrible event is seeing how many people Tom touched with his deep friendship and love. He certainly knew this because he counted on and knew his friends, and they became his family. Through four years of medical school, our lives were all changed. With the friends we made, the experiences we shared, the successes and the failures, we all in a sense grew up together. The day we graduated, we stepped away from being medical students together, and headed into 100 different directions. In Tom's death, I'm reminded of his love for others and passion for his friends. The way he would give of himself for others, never asking for anything in return, but accepting the friendship that would naturally come to someone as full of life and joy as Tom. Tragically, as I am witness to, it is easy to loose touch, and step away from the peoples' lives with whom we have shared so much. Take a moment to remember the friends whom you have lost touch with during the busy residency life, and then spend some energy to rekindle the friendship and love with those who mean so much to you. - Doug Smith From a letter sent to the brotherhood of Upsilon Xi: Tom Johnson was tapped into Upsilon in the Fall of 1989 and graduated from Lee in 1992. Tom was awarded the departmental award from the Natural Science and Math department, induction into "Who's Who," and graduated Magna Cum Laude. In Upsilon, he served as the first ever Senior Member for the 91-92 school year. Upon graduation, Tom exemplified Upsilon achievement. He graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) in 1998 with an MD degree. He was completing a surgical residency in Mobile, Alabama at the hospital of the University of South Alabama. Please keep the Johnson Family in your prayers. I am impressed with the love of our brotherhood that has not died with time and distance. I am thankful to God for being a part of this family. - Joe Giove, Secretary UXAA I just wanted to let you know that the faculty and staff here at EVMS are also mourning the loss of Tom. Many of us have gathered together to remember his wonderful personality and to share stories. Even though you have all left us - you are never forgotten here. Please know that our prayers are with you all in this tragedy. - Hilarie Haley Lanciaux Tom and I were housemates and fraternity brothers at Lee College. I am impressed to see such an outpouring of honor from his EVMS friends. He was one of the most generous and giving people I have known. He will be missed. The EVMS memorial page was nice to see. It's hard to look at all these pictures of him and his big smile -- but thanks for honoring his memory. - Chris Hansen I met Tom in our first year of College in 1988. Since then 12 years have past and over those short years Tom and I have become Roommates, Friends and Brothers in Christ! The feeling I have is of denial, numbness and sadness however, I know Tom is with all of us looking down from above. Tom was and will always be my best friend. I am truly going to miss him and his laughter. Like Tom always said to me...I'll see you in a while Bro! Well, Johnson, I'll see you when I am called home! I love you Bro. - Rob Fortner Tom was always good for a pinch of Copenhagen for Randy, and a big grin and smart aleck remark for me. He once told me Randy and I were the "coolest married couple he knew." I took that as a compliment, although with the recent impending nuptuals, the competition is getting stiffer. He was so full of life, it's hard to believe he's no longer with us. Whenever we got together for some off duty time Tom was always in the middle of the action. No retreat was complete without Tom. The class has scattered to the four winds since graduation. This tragedy has reminded me how much each of you means to me and what we shared when we were together. I wish I could have had one more beer with Tom. Wherever you are we miss you big guy. Here's to you. - Kelly and Randy Latimer I was shocked to learn of Tom's death from Keith Jeffords last Monday. The tragic loss of a young person so full of life is difficult to comprehend. In our busy lives it is so easy to lose touch with friends and I am reminded how precious life is. My thoughts are with Tom's family and those closest to him. - Erin Doherty Phrampus I am absolutely devastated over the loss of such a great man. He was not just a friend, but a brother. We spent many hours just talking and sharing our hearts. We had so much in common. I am saddened, but a better person today because I was a friend with Tom Johnson. He is and will always be a great friend. Thank you EVMS for honoring my friend in such a great way. P.S. Tom, Thanks for Hickory! - Rev. Tim Moore Thank you EVMS for an opportunity for friends and family to share their memories of Tom. My wife Kelly and I are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Tom is one of my wife's closest friends; he was always there for her during their time at Lee together. It was Tom who was the first person to tell Kelly that she would one day marry me. To think that last week he was coming home and we were all going to get together and go out. Tom used to play this song entitled "You've got a Friend" all the time for Kelly and part of it went..." you just call out my name and you know wherever I am I'll come running to see you again; winter, spring, summer, or fall - all you have to do is call and I'll be there - you've got a friend." Well Tom - if you could only see now - "You've Got A Friend! - Alex and Kelly (Butler) Close Dear Friends: We have kept a close watch on this website for the comforting words that has been spoken and truly felt by all of you. Our mere words cannot express our loss and grief. We raised Thomas from age 13 and we did our best. In correspondances and phone conversations we would have with Tommy nearly everyday, I'd say to him, "I love you, honey, Make me proud!" I can honestly say today without reservation that Tommy has made us proud. More proud than I could have imagined. The life he led was full, he was happy with what he was doing. He wanted to come home more often but we felt "this too shall pass". meaning when he finished his program, we'd be together again forever. Well, now it's our turn, we must finish our program (here on earth) we must continue the race that Tom has finished and we really believe we will be with him again, forever! We already miss him. It was very hard to view him on Tues., very hard to make all the arrangements, clean out his apartment and move his effects back here to DE, but God is good! He has put Christians literally in our way the entire time, for a prayer, words of encouragement or just to tell us they were there for us. Please accept our humble thanks for all that has been done to remember Tom for who he was and who he will remain in our hearts forever! God bless all of you! - Dan and Sharon McCready (Tom's Closest Family) I met Tom at Lee College in 1990 - it was my first year as a college professor and Tom was in my Biochemistry class. It didn't take long for a friendship to develop - from reading all the other messages posted and from knowing Tom as I do, I realize that investing of himself in others and developing friendships was Tom's gift. We played basketball together, he "encouraged" me to become a faculty sponsor of his fraternity, he had meals with me, he gave me his Doberman, "Dutch", and he was a true friend. I realize that part of me has died with Tom - the part of my life that fires off an e-mail just to check up on Tom, the part that calls him on the telephone, and the part that makes plans to be with him. But, there is a large part of my life in which Tom still lives - the part that wants to draw from my interaction and experiences with Tom and learn how to give to others as Tom has given to me. I have learned much from you Thomas Robert Johnson, thank you for the lesson. - Eddie Brown Tom and I were friends going back to youth camps in the state of Maryland. Tom was one of my favorite people and friends. With Tom being a few years older, he also became a mentor. You see, Tom saw a shy chubby 14 year old, became friends with him, and helped to boost his confidence. Little did Tom ever know that his friendship would change my life. Tom is the one who got the nickname "Bubba" started at youth camps and at Lee College. He then became my mentor. I saw a funloving, outgoing guy who got involved in social activities, but never allowed his academic career, suffer. One of the happiest days of my life, was when I had the opportunity to tell him that. One of the saddest, was when I found out that my friend and mentor had passed away. I will miss you Tommy, but I will never forget your friendship. Forever Hickory, brother. - Michael "Bubba" Livingston This past week I was SO saddened to hear about one of my close friends from Lee COLLEGE passing away. Tom Johnson was one of the most jovial, friendliest guys you could have ever met. I got to know Tom at the beginning of his arrival on campus. We became close friends and shared a lot of personal conversations about life, etc... He visited in my home in South Carolina on 2 different occasions and my family fell in love with him. To this day they have still asked about Tom. Along with myself they are heart stricken by this tragedy. I will miss my e-mails to Tom and keeping up with him. However, I do realize now that this makes heaven a sweeter goal to attain. For, I will once again see Tom. I know that God was looking last Monday for another rose to put in his heavenly garden and no one else would fit the bill but Dr. Tom Johnson. The Word of God tells us that "in all things give Him praise." Today, I am praising God, even in the midst of this tragedy, that Tom Johnson has made it home and will never have to struggle in this life anymore. Tom, I will miss you greatly, BUT anxiously await our reunion! Your Friend! - Reverend Don R. Chavis, a.k.a "Don Don" It was with tremendous sadness that we learned of the death of one of the nicest, most decent, and enjoyable people we have had the privelidge to meet. On this day of Tom's funeral I remember the many good times - from sharing a beer at lunch for our first Anatomy test, to gathering for a viewing of "Deliverance" after another first year exam, to the antics at my Bachelor party, to struggling through the academic rigors together. Tom, you were a scholar, a faithful person, and I'm certain you were a great physician, and you will be missed! I'm sure you're up there and hope you're tilting back a cold one, happy and at peace. - Erik, Monique, and Family Tom Johnson is a shining example of the greatness within someone. Tom overcame all obstacles to achieve his dreams. I am proud of the heritage Tom leaves for us to follow. His living example of "never give up" speaks to me very deeply. The many messages on this forum are a tribute to the great accomplishments of Tom's rich life. He leaves a vast legacy on the many lives he touched. Tom, thank you for making this world a brighter place with your smile and a better place just by your being here. - Kevin Brooks, Lee University Tom, I went to your funeral yesterday. It seems that would have made your death real to me, but it has not. As I sat and listened to the lives you have touched, to the friends you have made, to the obstacles you have overcome, I was never more proud to be your friend. I always knew you had a heart of gold; I was so happy to see that you had shared your heart with all you knew. I loved our friendship at Lee. I will never forget our big lasagna night, our picnics at Blue Hole, our laughs with Trish and Dayman. I will especially remember your calls when things were difficult for me at college. You had a way of making me smile no matter what. "When Harry Met Sally" and those gourmet jelly beans made such a memorable night for us as friends. So often you would put a note in my mailbox, "Jellybean?" Letting me know you were there anytime I might need a friend, or a night out. Thank you, Tom. At the funeral, I was thanking God for your precious, loving brother and sister-in-law. It was so obvious how loved you really were. It was beautiful to hear them speak of you. Thank God for them. I am glad you had them in your life. The funeral is over, but I cannot comprehend that you are gone. Know that I love you. It seems many, many people love you. You will be missed forever. Love, - Kimberly Figgs Johnson, Friend from Lee I met Tom when he came to live with Rev. and Sis. McCready. I was 15 and he was 13. When I got my drivers license, him and all the guys would cram into my big old 1969 Buick and hit the town. I can still hear him telling me that I was going to be a preacher, and he was going to be a doctor. Tom surely knew the calling on my life, eventhough to this day I haven't filled the call, but Tom surely filled his call on his life. Tom lived life to the fullest. He did more in 29 years of life then most people do in a life-time. I remember setting in Sunday School with Tom and there was a passage in the Bible which mention a person named Ditumus, somehow that became his nickname between him and I, and I really don't know why. He graduated with my wife from high school, and when my wife and I had some falling-outs during her school years, Tom was our mediator. The last time that I was with Tom, about 5 months ago, I was telling him how proud my familiy was of him. He told me he would be back in town this very week, and that we would get together, and I was looking forward to us meeting very much. He has surely made us all proud!! He will be greatly missed!! "We Love You Man - John & Tammie Locklear I've been putting this off for way too long....It is difficult for me to put into words how special Tom was to me and my family. From the countless hours we spent studying in the carrels in medical school, to him standing at my side at my wedding, to the countless emails, mama jokes, and pranks we shared over the last 4 years, Tom has played a significant role in my life. Tom was the first person who I would always call with either good or bad news and the first person to always offer an encouraging word. He knew who I would marry before I did and was the first to approve the engagement ring I bought for my wife. Tom was my inspiration...the epitome of the human potential, and it was he who kept me going during medical school and internship when things were rough. A more loyal friend a person could not ask for, and I am so thankful for the times we got to spend together. This tragedy has really helped me to refocus my life and made me realize that in the end only faith in god, good deeds, friends, and family matter. So... remember the value of a smile and a hug, call an old friend up, hold a door for a stranger, and TELL someone you love them. These are after all the things Tom did so well on a daily basis which made him special, and why his life touched so many of ours. I love you bubba, and it goes without saying that you are still "my best good friend. - Joel Clingenpeel The news of this great loss took some time to get out to us in California, but that can hardly lessen the impact. I never recall Tom ever having anything but a grin on his face. No matter how bad things got you could see him down the hallway and you couldn't help but cheer up. There were great times playing football, hockey, and hanging out. I'll never forget him trying to teach me how to chew. I regret not being more diligent about keeping in touch. To a real class act. We'll all miss you very, very much. We know you're up there making someone smile.... - Vartan & Nora The original message I posted was written the morning after Tom's death at which point I was not in a place where I could compose my thoughts. After attending Tom's funeral and having the opportunity to grieve with his family and so many of the people he touched with his life, I would also like to express my rememberances of Tom. There are two things that I feel somewhat characterize Tom, one being his loyalty and devotion to his family and friends and the second being his ability to find a song for every occasion (usually country, of course). When I met Tom the beginning of our first year of medical school one of the first things he did was show me his CD collection. Over time he played me songs that reminded him of all of the wonderful people he had become close to over the years. I slowly began to feel as if I knew Dan, Sharon, Mom, Pop and the kids, that I knew Keith Jeffords. There was a song for Teaster, Rob Fortner, Rob Johnson, Tom Herrin and Kara. There was a song for Eddie Brown and Bubba and Kelly. As Tom played each of these songs for me, he let me a little further into his life, a gift for which I am truly grateful. As Tom developed new friendships, his song list expanded to include Joel and Beth, Warren, Mike and Jafar and I know there were songs for all the wonderful people who entered Tom's life in Mobile. He even had a few songs for me...I remember arguing with him one time and next thing I knew "Here's a quarter call someone who cares" came blaring over the stereo. But, the song that I think of when I think of Tom is the song "Stand By Me." The first time Tom told me how much he loved that song I was more than a bit surprised (it's not country... or even jazz). He told me he loved it because the words "darling, darling, stand by me" described his idea of how a relationship should be. When we were saying goodbye and packing to leave Norfolk, we had a long talk sitting in his pick-up truck. "Stand By Me" began to play on the radio. Tom told me that some day he would dance at his wedding to that song. I wish with all my heart he had had that chance. But since he did not, what we can all remember are the inumerable times Tom stood by us. I'm sure he is still standing by all of us now. He leaves behind him a model of how to be a true friend and support that we should all make an effort to imitate in our own lives. Tom, you are one of the best people I have ever known. Thank you for being a part of my life and for sharing a part of yours with me. I will miss you and love you always. - Dana Erikson Ramirez When Tom was a teenager here in Delaware, he would come to visit me and my young family. I had two small girls, and when they heard he was coming over, they would just flip-out!! They are fairly grown now, and have taken his passing very hard. Even though we know we will see him again, we just can't help but miss him so much. I, like most of you, are experiencing loss to a degree which we rarely encounter, and we have yet to fully accept...there was just something about him that was hard to put in words. The only way I can describe it is that he had a true Christlike spirit. Whenever he would come to visit us at the Wilmington Church of God, it was like the service just glowed. I really felt honored in his presence, and thanked God for him. It was said at his funeral that he had a way of needling himself into your heart, whether you wanted him to or not. That was Tom personified. - Autrey and Cheryl Locklear Thomas became a big part of our lives during the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. He stayed with us until the apartment where he and Keith lived was repaired due to hurricane damage. Thereafter, he was at our front door almost every weekend and stayed until Monday morning and the 40 minute drive back to Miami. Thank you, Thomas, for all those Miami times we all spent together, for all the phone calls, for all the heartfelt hugs, for the Thanksgiving meals we shared together (you'll always have a place), for the encouragement you gave to each of us, for being such a wonderful big brother to "M" and "M", for the enduring friendships of others that you brought into our lives, for letting our family be a small part of your life, but most of all thank you for all the love that you shared with our family. We look forward to seeing you again someday. Until then, just know that we love you. - The Flowers Family - Larry, Glenda, Melissa, and Melo When I first met Tom approximately four years ago, I was slightly taken aback with his cocky manner; however, it did not take me long to realize that Tom Johnson was 100 percent heart on the inside. People were very dear to him. I specifically remember a time when he scolded one friend for not properly treating another. Once a friend of Tom's, he always gave more than he asked for in the friendship department. I am deeply saddened by his death, but at the same time, I cannot help but smile when I think about the times that I spent in Tom's company. Tom truly knew the value of hard work and the celebration of success. He will forever have a place in my heart - a place he has occupied since day one. In honor and memory of Tom Johnson's life, I plan to try to do what I think he did best .... reach out to make a new friend and let current friends know just how special and loved they are. - Beth "Trebox" Clingenpeel I don't have the words to express our shock here at EVMS, Office of Education in learning of your loss. I've worked here at the medical school for 21 years and have seen a lot of students come and go. I remember Tom so well. He was such a wonderful young man. I remember Tom coming into my office the weeks leading up to graduation to make certain that all his requirements had been satisfied. We talked about his excitement in becoming a physician and his future plans. Tom took time to talk often when he stopped by. Some students don't often like to come and see me, my job is to make certain that their schedules are correct and that they've completed all of their paperwork and all their clinical grades come to me. The one thing I remember about Tom is that he was a very nice young man. I remember that he was very grateful for the life he was blessed to have. What a wonderful thing for someone to be able to say about your son - that he was a very nice young man - many of us do great things in life, but we are not always nice people. Tom was that and more. My prayers are with you and your family. I thank God that a nice young man like Thomas Johnson passed my way. May the God we serve continue to bless and keep you. - Charlene Jones, MIII - MIV Coordinator, Office of Education, EVMS So sorry to hear about Tom's death. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. - Tam Lazenby I'm just absolutely saddened by the news of Tom's death. My sympathy goes to his family. He was a fine person. I will miss him. - Matt Angelelli So very sad to hear about Tom's death. I'm glad we have this site to be able to come together again as a class. - Jenny Smith I could not believe my eyes when I today, when I came accross this memorial. Tom was one of those people who touched my life in a way I can never express. Though we lost touch over the years, he was always the one I wondered "What ever happened to him?" He was a treasured friend and confidant. I met him while I was going to college in Miami. He was living with Keith Jeffords. I was working my way through school at one of his favorite restaraunts, The Outback. Tom & Keith would come in and stay for hours. He even brought Rob in once and they basically closed the place down. THe memory of how our friendship began will always be close to my heart. All of the beautiful things everyone said about him brought tears to my eyes. Being an "original" New Yorker, Tom & I would always joke about his southern manner and style. Tom took me to my first country music concert. Talk about a shock for a city girl ... but with Tom everything was fun. Tom was a wonderful man. I am blessed that I was able to meet him and share a brief, but very special friendship. I will remember you always. May you rest in peace "Thomas J." - Denise (Deppert) Dwyer Click on an image to view the full-size photograph.