Thomas E Johnson
March 29, 1932 ~ July 13, 2021
Thomas Elliott Johnson, aged 89, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2021 at his home in Vienna, Virginia. He is survived by his beloved wife, Insoon; two devoted sons, Donald and Robert; his five granddaughters, and six nieces and nephews.
Born March 29, 1932, in Miami, Florida to George D. Johnson and Margaret Elliott both of Danville, Illinois. He received both an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 1954, with Phi Beta Kappa honors, as well as a master’s degree in economics and transportation in 1956. Tom was a lifelong Gators fan and while at the University of Florida was president of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
His career was one dedicated to service to his country. After graduation, he served in the US Army for three years, stationed primarily in Okinawa, Japan. Upon leaving the military, he embarked on a 35 year career in the US Agency for International Development culminating in a position in the Senior Foreign Service. His focus was economic development and helping build infrastructure in South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Egypt and Thailand. Throughout his career his strong preference was to be away from the bureaucracy of Washington, DC and “in the field” making a difference.
He will be remembered for his dedication to his family. Tom never missed his sons’ sporting events, Boy Scout activities, or concerts as they grew up. He was always there to guide and mentor them even after adulthood. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 30 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, and a service on Saturday, July 31 at 11am at Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna, Virginia.
Born March 29, 1932, in Miami, Florida to George D. Johnson and Margaret Elliott both of Danville, Illinois. He received both an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 1954, with Phi Beta Kappa honors, as well as a master’s degree in economics and transportation in 1956. Tom was a lifelong Gators fan and while at the University of Florida was president of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
His career was one dedicated to service to his country. After graduation, he served in the US Army for three years, stationed primarily in Okinawa, Japan. Upon leaving the military, he embarked on a 35 year career in the US Agency for International Development culminating in a position in the Senior Foreign Service. His focus was economic development and helping build infrastructure in South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Egypt and Thailand. Throughout his career his strong preference was to be away from the bureaucracy of Washington, DC and “in the field” making a difference.
He will be remembered for his dedication to his family. Tom never missed his sons’ sporting events, Boy Scout activities, or concerts as they grew up. He was always there to guide and mentor them even after adulthood. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 30 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, and a service on Saturday, July 31 at 11am at Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna, Virginia.
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Father, dad, grandpa to five wonderful girls, dad will be truly missed. He opened Ellie & Maddie’s eyes to his favourite peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Although we are far away, we have fond memories of his visits to Hong Kong when Ellie was just born and summertimes together in Vancouver with his extended family.
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I had the pleasure of working with Tom in USAID/Cairo and late in our careers in Washington. He was a great mentor and I learned much from him. We had a nice visit with Tom and Insoon when they were posted in Bangkok. We shared many great memories over the years. May you Rest In Peace old friend . Ron and Carolyn Redman