David L. Johnson, Sr.

David L. Johnson, Sr., 73, of Brunswick, died peacefully on Friday, December 3rd, 2021. He was born February 3rd, 1948 in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, to James and Josephine Johnson. David was the typical curious boy in his adolescence, active in scouts, hunting, fishing and various youth sports. It was during a football scrimmage his senior year in high school, where he caught a glimpse of the love of his life. David went to Lycoming College on a full wrestling scholarship, where he became the MASCAC wrestling champion in 1967 in the 152lb weight class for the Warriors. While in college, a classmate of David's introduced him to Nancy Harris. Nancy was a childhood friend of David's classmate. Finally, that quick glimpse on a football field a few years back became a deep gaze in their eyes knowing that they had seen each other before. Dad often told the story that the following weekend he went back home to tell his mother he found the woman he was going to marry. David graduated from Lycoming with a degree in Biological Education and shortly married Nancy in 1970. David taught high school biology for a few years until his first child came into the newly married couple's world. David felt it was necessary to generate a bigger income to support a family than what a teacher's salary provided at the time. He received an opportunity to run a chemical laboratory as a supervisor at GTE Sylvania in Montoursville, Pennsylvania, where the blue-dot flashcube for cameras was manufactured. Hence the beginning of a vast career in the lighting industry. When the flashcube technology was replaced, David transferred his family to Northeast Ohio to become an industrial/commercial lighting sales engineer. David spent 30 years in the lighting industry working for various companies taking on various roles. The lighting industry provided many opportunities for David. He was president of the Cleveland chapter of the Illuminating Engineer Society (IES). David was also a lighting ambassador and represented the United States in a global conference to bring energy conservation conversations onto a global scale where he had the opportunity to speak and travel to Canada, Japan and China. Although this jetsetter seemed to be bigger than the world, he loved to be local. One of his favorite opportunities was when he worked for Wolff Brothers Supply, Inc. as a Cleveland branch manager. When the economy took a downward fall in 2008, David found himself without a job. Not ready to retire, he took a few more college courses and was certified to teach once again; but now in the state of Ohio. He started out doing substitution teaching until an opportunity for a long-term sub role came at Medina High School. After a few years that long-term sub role became a permanent role as a biology teacher for MHS. David had a passion for teaching students, especially within that age group. The students loved Dr. J, the name he was known as at MHS. Dr. J could connect with his students. When students had trouble with assignments he wanted to know why, and he listened to what they had to say. Through counsel and a lot of times not school-related, he would provide them guidance. Every year he would take one day out of his biology classes and teach the students about integrity. Many of his former students have told David's family that particular class made an impact on their lives. The reoccurring theme his students relay is. Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking.' David was a devoted family man. Anything his wife wanted, he provided. He was married to Nancy for 49 years before she preceded him. He supported his children in all of their activities while teaching them important life lessons. He provided the means and resources for all their dreams and endeavors. David's faith was a major contribution to developing that family culture. A longtime member of Grace Baptist Church, he enjoyed ministering to men in the Haven of Rest program as well as the prison ministry at the Lorain County Correctional facility. In David's later years, he enjoyed gardening in the summer as well as fishing with his two grandsons. In the fall and winter, he would enjoy hunting and woodworking with them as well. David could make a friend with anybody and everybody no matter what the event or occasion would be. David made an impact on so many lives…childhood friends, college teammates/fraternity brothers/classmates, co-workers and employees in the private sector, students, teachers, school staff, friends and neighbors. His legacy shall not be forgotten. David is survived by his son, Dave Jr.; daughter, Leslie; two grandsons, Adrian and Anthony and his older brother, Jim. He was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine and James and his wife, Nancy. David's life will be celebrated on Thursday, December 9th, 2021 at Grace Baptist Church, 3480 Laurel Rd., Brunswick, OH 44212. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. following a memorial service at 11 a.m. Those who are unable to attend in person can view the memorial service through Livestream by logging onto www.gbcheartline.org and selecting watch live. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in David's name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences and memories of David may be left at www.WaiteFuneralHome.com