Walter Johnson, affectionately known as ''Walt,'' & Danny," ''Buck,' and "Grandpa Turkey,'' began hislife on August 1, 1932, to the late Willie ("Coot") Johnson and Lucy Booze. He spent his younger yearsin Fort Gaines, Georgia, living with several relatives who were instrumental in his upbringing.Walter was married to his current wife, Erma, for 24 years. Prior to this marriage, he was married toAnnette for 21 years. He is currently survived by his three children: Yvette (Louis), Kim (Troy), andKevin, and one stepson, Gordon. He was immensely proud of his seven grandchildren: Jovan, Niya,K'Era, Justin, Hannah, Daniel, and McKinley; and his four great-grandchildren: Cymphony, Lyric,McKenzie, and Oliver.Walter had three siblings with whom he had a fond relationship with. He is survived by his brotherWilliam (also known as Bill) Johnson and was preceded in death by his sisters Mildred Wade and MaeJohnson. He also left a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly.Walter left Georgia during his teenage years, moving to Miami, Florida, to be with his father andpaternal grandparents, and attended Booker T. Washington High School. His formal career began whenhe joined the United States Army, serving for two years while stationed in Germany.After his service, Walter returned to Miami, and while there, he began his understanding of bustransportation from his father Willie, who was employed as a bus hustler with Miami Transit, aprivately owned transit system, where Walter sometimes traveled with him. Unfortunately, whiletraveling with his father, Walter witnessed eggs being thrown at buses his father was driving when hetransported military personnel across McArthur Causeway. When Miami Transit was sold to DadeCounty, both Willie and Walter were offered a job to become the first Black bus operator; however,they both declined the offer. Instead, Walter decided in 1962 to relocate to Chicago, Illinois, to applyfor a bus operator position with the Chicago Transit Authority. He passed the test, but after beinghomesick, he decided to return to Miami.Walter applied for a bus operator role with the Dade County transit system and was hired in April1963. While employed, he held various positions, including becoming the second African American tobe promoted to the role of Supervisor in 1974. During his career in transportation, Walter becameChief Supervisor and later acted as Superintendent of Transportation. In 1978, Walter was appointed tothe position of Superintendent of Rail Operations, and in 1981, he was transferred to the Rail Divisionwhere he held his final position, becoming Acting Superintendent of Rail Operations and retiring in1994 after over 30 years of service.During Walter's long tenure with the transit system, he was closely involved in several professionalorganizations and served in various leadership roles. Notably, he was the first president of the TransitSupervisors Association in 1974 and the Vice President of the Conference of Minority TransportationOfficials in 1993. Walter also worked with the Police Benevolent Association and was affiliated withthe NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).Some of Walter's greatest achievements include working with the American Federation of PublicEmployees to organize the Government Supervisors Association of Florida, where he presided in 1980.He also played a significant role in organizing the Miami Dade Transit Union and served as the MiamiDade Chapter President of the Conference of Minority Transit Officials (COMTO) from 1988 to 1990.Walter had an infectious love of music, ranging from blues, jazz, R&B, and reggae, which wasinherited by his children. He is remembered for his entertaining stories, sharing his words of wisdom,and for his wit and humor. He has been described as dedicated, humble, there if you need him, andsomeone who thinks of others. He loved being around his family, continuously expressing theimportance of bringing family together, and he played an instrumental role in helping organize a familyreunion or family gathering.In 2007, Walter, Erma, and Gordon decided to move to the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, where heforged lasting relationships with some of his neighbors. Many days, he was spotted in his garagelistening to and sharing his music with others.Walter believed in standing for what is right and doing things that no one else is doing, especially as aBlack man. He strongly instilled in his children and grandchildren that they should always work hardand seek to obtain a leadership role in order to make a difference, especially for those who areoverlooked and less fortunate.Walter entered into rest on the morning of Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the age of 92. He will bethoroughly missed by many, but his memory will continue to live on."He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.All these things are gone forever." – Revelations 21:4