Delroy Constantine Johnson, affectionately known to all as “Laxie” or “Sailah,” was a man whose kindness, ingenuity, and unwavering determination touched everyone who knew him. Born in the district of Down Lodge, St. Ann, Jamaica, he was the younger of two brothers born to Ruth Emelda Burton and George Johnson. He shared an unbreakable bond with his older brother, Percival (Percy), a connection defined by a special, lifelong love that remained a cornerstone of his life. Delroy was also exceptionally close to his mother, Ruth (Ms. Pinny) She was his entrepreneurial partner in his early years, and he was devastated when he lost her; that deep connection remained a part of his heart for the rest of his days. From those early days selling fish in his local community alongside her and his brother, he learned the value of hard work—a role that earned him the beloved nickname “Sailah.” He spent a great deal of his young adult years in Kingston living with his Aunt Pearl and his cousins; for many of us, Oliver Road was the heart of our family visits. Later, he returned to the country with the love of his life, Veronica, and their two children, Carmen and John, to set up shop as a master mechanic and build a home in Alva, St. Ann, before eventually migrating to Tampa, Florida, due to his failing health. While his formal elementary education was limited, Delroy often boasted with a twinkle in his eye that he was a proud graduate of the “University of Hard Knocks.” He would frequently remind his siblings—who were graduates of formal institutions—that when it came to true innovation and creativity, he stood in a league of his own. And he was right. He was a man who believed that if something was broken, it could be fixed; if something was needed, it could be made. 

To know him is to appreciate the full scope of his experience. He was not afraid of taking risks and lived through high-stakes consequences as a result of some poor choices, and this period served as a defining season of introspection and change. His life is also defined by his children; despite the complexities surrounding their beginnings, he embraced his role in their lives, holding onto the promise of a better future for the family he built. Delroy loved his siblings deeply and was always invested in their success. He was their teacher and their biggest advocate, whether he was showing them a trade, helping them learn to drive, or taking them to get their licenses. We all remember the blue Volkswagen he bought for his younger sister, Daphne, because he was simply tired of seeing her wait on public transportation. That was his way: looking out for those he loved and ensuring they had the tools to move forward. A true jack-of-all-trades—shoemaker, truck driver, mechanic, and craftsman—Delroy had a remarkable gift for seeing possibility in the simplest things. Even after losing his leg, he refused to be defined by adversity, fashioning his own prosthesis from wood and continuing to live life on his own terms. Ten years ago, facing failing health, Delroy traveled from Jamaica to Tampa, Florida. While doctors had predicted a much shorter time, we were blessed with a decade of extra memories, much of which was spent with his dedicated "family" at the East Brandon DaVita dialysis center, where he received weekly treatment. 

Delroy lived his life with a signature blend of independence and mischief. Whether he was turning a garbage bin into a wagon for his scooter, testing the limits of his battery on a journey to Lowe’s by “following the white line,” or braving the mud to pick mangoes for his wife, he approached life as a personal challenge. To his family, the weekend “wild-goose chases” spent searching for him—only to find him sitting peacefully in the shade—became cherished stories of his enduring spirit. Beyond his talents, what made him truly special was his heart. He adored all of his children and held a deep desire to see them and hear from them. He was a man of strong convictions, and while his open preference for his daughter, Hillary, was sometimes a source of frustration for the others, they accepted it with the understanding that, “That’s who he is—we can’t hold it against him.” Delroy was heartbroken when he lost his first son, John, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident. He also endured the profound sorrow of losing his son, Edwin George, and his daughter, Angela Marie, who preceded him in death. Although he carried these heavy losses with grace, the passing of his son John left a void that changed him deeply, and he transitioned to be with them just three weeks later. Through it all, he remained the anchor of his family, always reminding them to live in peace with each other and to keep God at the center of their lives. We celebrate a life well-lived and a man deeply loved. His love, strength, and wisdom will remain in our hearts forever. Though we know there will be nothing in heaven that needs fixing, God has gained an excellent mechanic—one who is surely willing, ready, and waiting, just in case. 

Delroy leaves to mourn his passing his beloved wife of over 64 years, Veronica; his children; his grandchildren; his great-grandchildren; his siblings; and a host of extended family and friends. The stories about him are innumerable as well as memorable, and we will continue to cherish these memories that we all hold dear. Life is not measured by the years we live, but by the joy we brought into the lives of others. You have left us with the reminder that true strength is found in faith, family and a heart that never stops giving. Walk good Sailah!