BRANDON WILLIAM LEWIS JOHNSON
November 21, 1983 – January 20, 2008
"Born to Fly: Living An Inspired Life"
"I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I can fly"
LIVING AN INSPIRED LIFE:
We were all born to fly
To reach beyond the sky
To carry on forever after
You and I
Brandon acquired his heavenly wings on Sunday, January 20, 2008 at the tender age of 24.
As a child, Brandon said, "I was put on this earth to fly airplanes.” He lived that dream until the very end.
When Brandon talked about airplanes and flying airplanes he exuded a magnetic energy and a contagious enthusiasm. Brandon was truly inspired and in his life’s pursuit; he could not wait to get up every morning to do what he loved to do, ‘fly airplanes and talk about flying airplanes.’ As Dr. Wayne Dyer said, living an inspired life means you live "in spirit."
Blessed are the ones who know and live their passion and purpose in life. You don't see that every day.
Brandon’s journey began on November 21, 1983 in Seaside, California. During Brandon’s formative years he attended schools in:
• Lake Forest, California
• Monterey, California
• Falls Church, Virginia
• Okinawa, Japan
• Quantico, Virginia
Brandon’s thirst for education and flying led him to receive a Bachelors of Arts Degree from Utah State University in 2004 and a Masters in Business Administration from Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois in 2006.
In living an inspired life, Brandon’s achievements and favorite pastimes were as follows:
• Water Surfing
• Snow Boarding
• Certified Scuba Diver
• Certified Lifeguard WSI, CPR Courses
• Avid Motorcycle Rider
• Star High School Football Player
• Star High School Basketball Player
• Achieved American Airlines ADVANTAGE PLATINUM Status: Amassed over 300,000 frequent flyer miles
Brandon earned his private pilot license in November 2007 and was successful on the Advanced Instrument Rating Test. Brandon was on a fast track to attain his commercial pilot certification in March 2008; however, God had a higher plan for his life. Ultimately, Brandon was awarded his heavenly wings so he could soar with God’s angels above.
Brandon is survived by his father, William Clayton Johnson, a retired Colonel of Marines; his mother, Brenda Lewis, a school teacher; and his brother, Jameil William Lewis Johnson, a law school student at the USC Gould School of Law in Los Angeles California.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2008 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Tillman Riverside Memorial Chapel located at 2874 Tenth Street, Riverside, California 92507; telephone: 951-682-6433
According to Brandon’s wishes, he will then be flown to Jacksonville, North Carolina where he will be laid to rest on Saturday, February 2, 2008.
In North Carolina, a memorial service will be held on Friday, February 1, 2008 from 6PM to 8PM at the Saunders Funeral Home Chapel, 210 Bell Fork Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina 28540.
On Saturday, February 2, 2008, funeral services will be held for Brandon at the Marshall Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Brandon’s internment will be directly after the funeral at 12 Noon in the Willard Community Cemetery in Willard, North Carolina.
If you are desirous of making a contribution to the Brandon William Lewis Johnson Memorial Fund, request that all contributions be sent to the following address:
Brandon William Lewis Johnson
Memorial Fund
c/o Isciner Robinson
122 Greenbriar Court
Jacksonville, North Carolina 28540
Additionally, Brandon’s life can’t be measured simply in terms of years, but rather by how fulfilling, rich, and satisfying his life was. He leaves behind loving parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends, all of whom feel privileged to have had him in their lives, however brief the moment.
The family is requesting that Brandon’s family and friends call into the following number and leave a commemorative voice message for his family. The message can include favorite stories, the word, phrase or quality would you utilize to characterize your interactions with Brandon.
The call in number to leave your commemorative message is follows:
703-652-7799
We, the Johnson Family, are so very thankful for the sincere expressions of condolences and heartfelt wishes of love and caring support as we celebrate the inspired life of Brandon William Lewis Johnson.
