Seed Industry Mourns Passage of Former ASPA/TPI President Raymond Johnson
- On June 1, 2017
It is with heartfelt sadness that we report the passing of longtime friend and former American Sod Producers Association (ASPA)/Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) president Raymond Johnson. Ray passed on Tuesday morning, May 23, 2017, with his wife Mary at his side until the end.
Ray was raised on the family farm and began his turf career in the early 1960s installing sod and eventually working as a sod farm manager. By the mid ’70s Ray and Mary became the owners of Shamrock Turf Nurseries. He was an early innovator and promotor of mechanization and efficiency. Ray served on the board of directors for ASPA/TPI becoming president in 1980. He felt extremely blessed to have the opportunity to get to know and work with so many well respected men and women involved in the turfgrass industry. Ray and Mary cherished the many friendships they developed over the years at conference’s and study tours.
Left behind to celebrate his life are four children and their spouses, seventeen grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Good and Faithful Servant is the best description of a life well lived.
Cotter Funeral Home in Momence, IL is in charge of arrangements.
