JOHNSON, GEORGE F., 65, of Miami, FL went home to be with the Lord on May 17, 2013. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia on February 1, 1948, the son of Dr. Paul C. Johnson and Louise M. Johnson. George graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1966. In 1970, he graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT and was awarded the Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation, George served as a Deck Watch Officer aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Dallas out of New York City. Subsequent assignments included: An exchange tour with the US Navy aboard the USS Bowen in 1972, Admiral’s Aide, The Coast Guard Intelligence Program in Miami, Commander of the Coast Guard Group in Rockaway, NY in 1978, Search and Rescue Program Management at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC in 1983 and Deputy Commander Coast Guard Group Miami in 1985. Commander Johnson retired in 1990 while serving on the staff of the 7th District Commander Headquarters in Miami, FL. He also attended post-graduate school at the University of Miami and was awarded a MBA and MPA in 1982. As a civilian, George was employed as an airline executive with two airlines in Miami, FL. He was the Treasurer of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) for many years. George served the Lord as the church administrator at Old Cutler Presbyterian Church followed by the Chief Financial Officer at Westminster Christian School in Miami. He finished his career as Director of Finance and Operations at Westminster Schools of Augusta located in Augusta, Georgia. George was a devoted husband, father, brother and uncle. He will always be remembered for devotion to his family and care & compassion for his friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Caroline Clary Johnson, and son Paul Clary Johnson. Also survived by his two loving sisters, Pat Denison (Bill) and Paulette DeVita (Don), his niece and nephews. He lived his life to the fullest and will be remembered by all whose lives he touched. Visitation will be held Monday evening, May 20th from 6-8 p.m. at Stanfill F.H. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 21st at Old Cutler Presbyterian Church, 14401 Old Cutler Rd, Palmetto Bay, FL with reception immediately following the service. Interment will follow at a later date with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, George’s family respectfully requests that contributions be made in memory of George to one of the following: Old Cutler Presbyterian Church (see address above); CDR George F. Johnson, USCG (Ret), Class of 1970 Fund, USCGA Alumni Association, 47 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320; or Westminster Schools of Augusta, 3067 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA 30909
Published in Miami Herald on May 20, 2013