Celebration of the Life of Wimpy Johnson
by Scott Bridges
(As delivered by Scott Bridges at Virgil “Wimpy” Johnson’s funeral February 5, 2002)
When Kathy asked me to say a few words I was truly honored. However, there's no way that I can keep it to a few words. Anyone who knows Wimp knows that he leaves a lasting impression. I ask that you allow me the freedom to express my thoughts. I owe that to Wimp.
In August of 1968, my family moved to Chester. I was almost 6 at the time. It seems that I've known Wimpy and Peggy for as long as I can recall. I really couldn't remember how our families came to know each other so I asked my dad the other day. He told me that Rev. Floyd Jent was the pastor here at First Baptist and he came to visit our home to invite us to attend services. Brother Jent mentioned during the visit that there was a man at the church that had expressed an interest in meeting our family that person turned out to be Virgil “Wimpy” Johnson. Our families were subsequently introduced and immediately an inseparable bond of friendship was formed. Dad has mentioned to me that he
benefited the most from that introduction because he met a person that had a zest for life, was energetic and carried a wonderful witness. Many people have impacted my life but there are two men that come to mind first and foremost. The first is my dad Rocky Bridges. The second is Wimpy Johnson. From those early times of 1968 I have loved Wimpy and Peggy as my second mom and dad.
As I began to collect my thoughts about Wimp, I found myself often with smiles on my face and a tear in my eye. If you know Wimpy though, you would know that he wouldn't want us to be sad in his passing. He was forever the most humble and compassionate of people. So what I would like to do today is to take a few moments and invite you to “Celebrate Wimpy's Life” through my eyes. When I think of Wimp, I think of four sides--1) The Athlete and fan 2) The person 3) The family man 4) The Christian.
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