Michael Anthony Johnson Sr. enjoyed life to the fullest.

Johnson died May 10, 2012. He was 52.

He was born Dec. 16, 1959, to Rosalie Johnson and the late Charles Smith in Philadelphia. He was the oldest child of seven born to Rosalie Johnson.

Johnson was educated in the Philadelphia and Culpepper, Va., public school systems. He obtained a certification in cement masonry while attending Job Corps. He resided in Philadelphia with his foster parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. John E. Lance until 1973. In 1973, he moved to Culpepper, Va., with his aunt and uncle, Evelyn and the late Roy Richardson. In 1978, Johnson left Virginia to attend Job Corps.

Johnson worked at Dietz Hats store in Philadelphia for many years. He enjoyed meeting and talking with people of all walks of life and helping them select the perfect hat.

While in Virginia, he was employed at the Culpepper agricultural enterprise. He was also employed at the Culpepper youth center where he was a drill sergeant and an instructor for several youth drill teams.

Johnson had many hobbies throughout his life. His favorite hobby was collecting movie memorabilia from the Lord of the Rings. He also enjoyed dancing and playing basketball and traveling with his drill team. Johnson enjoyed being with his family and friends. His family said he was a gentle soul with a kind heart. He always had a smile on his face.

Johnson is survived by his wife of 27 years, Maria Johnson; sons, Michael and Alexander Johnson; daughters, Erika Johnson and Pearl Johnson Dickerson; granddaughters, Amilya Johnson and Lana Johnson; grandsons, Michael Johnson and Tajmir Parker; mother, Rosalie Macklin; sisters, Carmella Johnson Brown and Pamela Batten; sons-in-law, Harold Brown, Jeffery Dickerson and Earl Batten; brothers, Delton, Darrell and Don Macklin; sister-in-law, Shelly Macklin; friend, Oscar Pierce; and other relatives and friends.

Services were held May 19 at Powell Mortuary Services.