Thomas was born May 15, 1970 in Alexandria, VA. and 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. where he attended 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.

Tom was particularly proud of his induction into Upsilon Xi in 1989. Tom held several major offices in Upsilon including induction chairman and was the first Senior Member. After graduation from Lee University, Thomas continued his participation with Upsilon Xi.

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 passed away suddenly from an accidental drowning, on Santa Rosa Beach in Pensacola, FL where he was vacationing on Monday, April 3, 2000.. He was 29 years old.

Brothers

"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." - Dr. Edward Brown - Fall 1981

"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!" - Rev. Don Chavis - Spring 1990

"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." - Rev. Michael "Bubba" Livingston - Fall 1993

"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. P.S. Tom, Thanks for Hickory!" - Rev. Tim Moore - Spring 1992

"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 - Fall 1990

various friends and family

". . . 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)

"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." - Kimberly Figgs Johnson

"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 Director of Alumni Relations