Uncle: Nephew's death leads to saved lives | Georgetown, SC

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Uncle: Nephew's death leads to saved lives

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Published on 12/4/2008
Written by Scott Harper

“Because of this tragedy, five other young people are alive today.”
That’s what Richard Johnson said during a memorial service for his nephew — 16-year-old Robert Johnson — who died Sunday from injuries he received in a traffic accident in Berkeley County.
He said his nephew was an organ donor whose vital organs — his kidney, heart and liver — are already being used by other young people who were on the waiting list for an organ.
“He has saved five lives, so something good has come out of this,” he said.
The memorial service was held in the auditorium of Andrews High School where Johnson was a freshman who was taking sophomore classes, said Principal Michelle Staggers.
As students filled every seat and lined the walls, Ronnie Jackson — Johnson’s welding teacher — said his friends knew him as TK.
“He was full of energy and life. He also had a sweet tooth for Little Debbies,” he said.
Another teacher, Jane Lappe, said when he school was selling candy for fundraisers, Johnson would stop by her desk every day and purchase a bag of M&Ms.
Jackson also commented on Johnson’s size. He said Johnson was small in stature and reminded him of Zacchaeus from the Bible.
“He had the same determination to fit in,” Jackson said. “He had strong character.”
Johnson’s welding jacket was signed by his classmates and was presented to his family.
Johnson was also a member of the school’s junior varsity football team. Adrian Smith, the school’s athletic director, said everyone can learn from Johnson’s life.
“Never judge someone by the size of their stature but by the size of their heart. He played very hard and did not let his limitations stop him,” Smith said.
Staggers said the first time she met Johnson, he walked in the office to use the telephone. She said she told him Rosemary Middle School students are not allowed to use the phone at the high school. He then informed her he was a high schooler resulting in an apology from his principal.
“His presence was known throughout the school and through the community,” she said.
Staggers also took time to ask for prayer and understanding for 16-year-old Clarence Penny who was driving the van when it left the roadway at about 2 a.m. Saturday on Highway 17A.
Staggers said it was miraculous Penny survived the crash. She said most of the damage was on the driver’s side where Penny was sitting and the was thrown from the van. She said the van landed on top of him.
“It’s been hard on Clarence. A lot of times people feel they are to blame if they survive. He did nothing wrong,” Staggers told the hundreds of students. “He needs our support.”
Funeral services for Johnson will be held today at Greater Bibleway Church in Georgetown.

I will never forget your nice and friendly ways and your beautiful smile that brighten up my day from the tears I shed I am really going to miss you Lil Robert aka K-Day.

Posted by Bianca on 12/9/2008

I didn't know this wonderful young man, but it sounds like he has blessed everyone that he knew. I will pray for his family and friends, and also the people whose lives are being saved by this young mans generosity. I know heaven is celebrating the arrival of this young man! May his sweet soul rest in peace!

Posted by Georgetown Resident on 12/7/2008

Tk,was my buddy. you would never be forgotten and my prayers are out to your family I will see you again one day Truly Miss

Posted by keasia on 12/7/2008

i didnt have the pleasure to meet tk, but i wish that i would have. listening to everyone speak so wonderfully of him at school, it seems unreal. My heart and prayers go out to his family, i know how hard it is losing someone you love so much.

Posted by Kelsey Connelly on 12/7/2008

i met tk last year in gym. he was the sweetest boy i ever met. he may have been short but he was looked up to. i know hes in a better place now, but it happened to soon. i loved tk and i can honestly say that. he was a very special person to me and i will always miss him.

Posted by Melanie* on 12/6/2008

I did'nt know this young man but from what i've read he had wonderfull parent's and was truly a gift from god.I know there very proud of him.Him alot like Jesus gave his life so that we might live to carry on his name.God has already blessed you and made you an angel.God be with his family and T.K. too.

Posted by christina on 12/6/2008

T.K I DIDNT KNO U VERY WELL BUT I USE TO ALWAYZ SEE YOU WHEN SCHOOL STARTS WALKING IN WITH YOUR CUZZIN EVERY MORNING IN I USE TO HE IS SO STORT IN CUTE. TO THE JOHNSON FAMILY I WILL ALWAY KEEP YALL IN HEARTS AND PRAYERS. IN Clarence KEEP YOUR HEAD UP T.K WILL BE OKAY YALL TO WILL MEET A AGAIN SUMDAY JUST REMEMBER HE ALWAYS WITH YOU IN THE SPIRITS OF GOD N ITS WAS NOT YOUR FAULT EVERYTHING HAPPEN 4 A REASON HIS WORK IS DONE! JOHNSON FANILY PLEASE DONT GAVE UP T.K WANT YALL TO KEEP HEAD UP IN BE STRONG! I LOVE YALL JONHSON FAMILY!!

Posted by God Angel on 12/5/2008

I DIDNT KNO HIM VERY WELL.. BUT I'VE SEEN HIM DOWN THE HALLS... I PRAY FOR THE JOHNSON FAMILY GOD BLESS YALL T.K IS N A BETTER PLACE NOW.. HE IS A BIG HERO TO OUR EYES AND ALOT OF PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS HAVE T.K N THERE HEARTS

Posted by CHELSIE on 12/5/2008

May God Bless this family. I will keep you all in my prayers

Posted by Navy Vet on 12/5/2008

I read these words of love and respect intermixed with sorrow and keep seeing 1 disagreement for each.........it certainly doesn't recommend the author of these insults to good people for a long and useless life.

Posted by eddienine on 12/5/2008

May GOD keep you in this time of sorrow. YOur family is in our prayers.

Posted by Sumpter INC on 12/5/2008

Robert, we know what you are going through. Our oldest son passed away 9 years ago and yes it hurts now, but God will heal your hurt. Lil Robert is resting in the arms of the Lord, so just pray to him for healing and he will hear your prayer. God bless you and our family as we get through this together. Cousin Bellinger & Hattie Folk

Posted by Rev. & Mrs. Bellinger Folk on 12/5/2008

Tk was my boy and we miss him ever much and he was a tiny person but he had the heart of a giant

Posted by Marquae on 12/5/2008

Tk was very Tiny Kid and smart and never put any one down he was beautiful in the inside and out.

Posted by Alexis~N~Tundrina on 12/5/2008

God Bless the Johnson Famliy. Our prayers and sympathy is with you in the time of sorrow. God knows and he never makes mistakes. Its not always easy to acept the death of a loved one I learned that during the lost of my grandmother/mother back in July 2006 but again we said He knows and won't put no more on us than we can bare although the load may feel heavy. Cry if you have to it helps Believe me!!! God's Love

Posted by The Anderson's of Andrews on 12/5/2008

I just would like to send my love and prayers for my classmate's family. r.i.p kt

Posted by jrreid on 12/4/2008

To God be the glory. May God bless Robert's parent's for being so unselfish in the most difficult time in their life. Robert will live on now, remember he is with Jesus. He is truely one of God's gift. Mr.& Mrs. Johnson you will be in my prayers.

Posted by Wilah Gadson on 12/4/2008

WOW, such a moving story. This young man was obviously a special person and loved by many. This young man has given many life that otherwise had no hope. He lives on through them. God bless his parents for thinking of others during this most difficult time. Your baby is with Jesus now and you will see him again. What a legacy for such a young person to leave, such unselfishness.

Posted by What a legacy! on 12/4/2008

To the family of Master Robert Johnson, our thoughts and prayers are with your family. To Belinda and Clarence *peace be still*. Remember that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Remember that God gave his only begotten "SON" so that we may have a key to the tree of life. What a blessing, five family will have this life for Christmas because of Robert's big heart in being a donor! Thanks Johnson family!

Posted by McCrea's on 12/4/2008

WE ALL WILL MISS YOU TK!!!YOU ARE GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!! R.I.P TK!! LUV YA BUDDY

Posted by Ta' on 12/4/2008

This boy is a true hero in the eyes of many for now he has saved so many lives. This is a family that teaches the meaning of God and family. God bless you and my prayers are with you for your loss.

Posted by friend on 12/4/2008

Bless his heart. He is a true hero to this community. My prayers are with his family. They must be so proud of this young man.

Posted by Amen on 12/4/2008

Robert is a true angel!

Posted by Just somebody who cares on 12/4/2008

Robert, I will always remember Lil Robert's smile as he walked down Woodland High School's hall when he attended here. My prayers are with you and the rest of the family through this difficult time. May God keep you in his care. Love you, Cousin Tracy Folk-DeLee Harleyville, SC

Posted by on 12/4/2008

God bless this little boys parents for allowing him to be an organ donor and giving other people life.

Posted by slb on 12/4/2008

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