Kathy, Kacie & Bobbie Jean: I cannot tell you how saddened I am about Sammie - He was so happy and jovial all the time, and such an asset to our family - I am so sorry, I was unable to come to the Memorial Service, but my heart was with you, even if I was not there in body - Remember, I love you and will continue to remember you all in my prayers - "Budgie"

To Mrs. Bobbie Jean Hamilton Although I did not know Sammy personally, I have however had the pleasure of knowing his daughter. She has been a wonderful friend to me & would do anything for me. Her kindness, patience, understanding, and non judgement are all qualities that I love about her. I only wish that she could have known the man that everyone has spoken & written so kindly about.....

Dear Johnston Family and Friends, When I think of Sammy, a BIG smile instantly appears on my face because we shared so many warm and funny memories together when I was a student and summer employee at LCB, and that is the reaction that happens when those memories fill my heart and soul. I have never really known a man who was so humble, honest, benevolent, generous, patient, and warm hearted before I met Sammy. His willing spirit was unbelieveable as it knew no boundaries, and everything he did voluntarily was always with a smile. Sammy's love was greatly shown through his actions, and this accompanied with the content of his character captured the hearts of everyone who knew him. I cherish the times we had BBQs at the apartments, especially when Kathy made her famous corn dip because we would all talk and laugh for hours. And there was the time when he made red beans and rice for dinner and tried to convince me that he slaved over the stove for hours but then later he showed me the package it came from and we both laughed because I sincerely believed him. My life has been blessed because I knew him, and I'm so privledged to be able to call him a friend, mentor and a man with vast integrity that we should all strive to achieve. I am deeply missing this great man of God, who's love and joyous spirit shined so brightly in the world. He truely is unforgetably one of a kind.

Dear Kathy and the rest of the Johnston family, I wanted to let you know just how much Sammy affected my life in a very positive way. He will greatly be missed. I was fortunet enough to work with Sammy during the summers of 2005 and 2006 summer programs at Louisiana Center. There was never a dry moment with Sammy around, always making jokes and keeping the most positive attitude of any members of the staff. He could always be counted on, even when it came to the scary bugs this Yankee girl hasn't developed a stomach for. Anything he was asked to do, he did it with his whole heart. His positive energy attracted students to him and he was always a favorite when it came to graduations for the students. He will continue to serve as a role model as I continue my teachings of blind students and I only hope I can affect the world in half the positive spirit Sammy always did. Who else would volunteer to cook with 9-14 year olds after raising his own family? Many summer students have called and requested I pass on messages of sorrow to the family, but even moreso, messages of appreciate for all Sammy did for them. He will be missed dearly. With deepest grattitude, Jennifer Kennedy Kent State University Student National Federation of the Blind of Ohio Board of Directors Member

If I could ever describe a perfect example of a true Christian, Sammy is one of very few people I could think of. Sammy was kind and helpfull to all people. He made me feel like I was a gift. Sammy, was a true gift to all. I miss you tremendously.

Thank You all so much I needed some comfort tonight as I was going off to bed. You see Sammy was my brother and it feels so good to know how well he was loved. Gone from us now but never forgotten Jeanne Jeanner Bean

When I lost my dad to a battle with brain cancer a few months ago Sammy stepped up to help fill that role in my life. While I have only been a student at the Louisiana Center for the Blind for seven months a part of Sammy will be with me for a lifetime. I will always cherish our "Father/Daughter" talks, about life, struggles and accomplishments. I will always have a spot in my heart for Sammy, he has touched my life forever! I love you Sammy and I'll see you at HOME!

I will always remember Sammy with a contagious laugh and an infectious smile. I could always count on him to come to my rescue each time I locked myself out of my apartment. I will truly treasure the memories I have of him, each one bringing a smile to my face. He was an amazing friend, neighbor, and mentor. He helped to make my LCB experience an unforgettable chapter in my life.

Sammy will always remain in my mind as a great father figure to me and without him, I would not have been able to survive LCB bootcamp. I"m really going to miss his great sense of humor. It was this sense of humor that I woke up to every morning. I'll miss his southern drawl and his kind loving heart. I'll miss his caring soul and his willingness to help others, even if it meant sacrificing his time, and sanity. I know I definitely kept him on his toes during my time at LCB. I'll miss you Sammy. Dave

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." - Sir Winston Churchill This being said, Sammy made a great life. I never saw Sammy when he was not reaching out to help someone or show them the way. Sammy was a great gentleman, no matter what time of day, if there was someone who needed help, he was there, often helping when others did not or would not. No matter what the task Sammy did it with a smile on his face and a joke to follow. I can't think of a single time that I ever saw Sammy upset or unhappy and I also, can't think of a time that I walked away from him without laughing from a joke he made, sometimes at my expense. Sammy, you will be missed, but we know that God has another angel to help do His work, as you did here on earth.

To know him was to love him. I was blessed to work with him the summer of 2005. He was kind, thoughtful, and remarkably gifted with our students. His patience and good humor were inspiring to me. I am certain I learned far more from Sammy than I could have ever taught him. I have many good memories that will always bring a smile. He will be missed terribly, but he lived fully. He loved deeply and unconditionally, he comforted, he gave, and he made those around him better people. My prayers will remain with his family. May God bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand.

Hello, I met Sammy while working in the Louisiana Center for the Blind's Buddy Program. He was a person who encouraged other students when they needed it, and always was there to help others. We have been separated from a very special person today, but we will meet Sammy again some day. Until then, may God watch between me and thee while apart one from the other. God bless

I've had the pleasure of knowing Sammy for a few years now; since he was a student at the Center. I have never known such a kind, giving and fun -loving man as Sammy. He was always a joy to be around, and personified the meaning of what it means to be a true friend. What a tremendous loss to us all. We were all very blessed to have known him.

I didn't know Sammy as well as he deserved, but I will never forget his smile. There is not a single time I ever saw him that he wasn't smiling. He was always ready and willing to help I don't know how many times he let me back into my apartment when I locked myself out and he was a wonderful cook. I know he's still smiling now. My prayers are with all of you.

The great Drill Sgt has called upon our Brother in arms to his last retreat. We the members of Burnett-Downs American Legion Post 201 West Monroe La. Slaute you our brother and snd our condolences to your family

My son is a student at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. Sammy made it much easier for me to let go of my son to find his own way. I knew my son would get the support he needed in combination with high expectations. I am grateful to Sammy. He has left my son and our whole family the gift of love.

Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. It is a big loss but a gain for God. I knew Sammy a short time, but what was honored to have known Sammy he was a great guy never met a stranger! We will miss Sammy's great since of humor and fun loving spirit. God Bless you all Sincerely Zadie and Floyd "Randy" Peel

My deepest sympathy goes out to you. I have known Sammy for a year now, I was a student at the Louisiana Center for the Blind for 9 months. Sammhy was very outgoing and friendly and fun to be with. He was one of the first people I met when I arrived at the center at ten o'clock at night. He was extremely helpful and made me feel very welcome, but this I soon learned was Sammy's nature. Sammy also treated everyone with respect. He will be truely missed. Paul Shepardson

Mrs. Kathy & Kacie - I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. Mr. Sammy was such a sweet person. We love you. Dana Day

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of sorrow. The Outpatient Staff at Harris Southwest Hospital

I am so very sorry for your loss. So many of us are grieving for you. Please know that you have an enormous extended family- all over the country- who is with you during this most difficult time.

My son is a student at the center. Sammy has been such a help and support to him, and to us as well. You all are in my heart and prayers.

Sammy was a kind and gentle man, and we will all miss him. Many people loved and admired him. We are saying prayers for all of you who are left behind. Glenn & Norma Crosby

My deeptest sympathy and prayers go out for Mrs. Kathy and Kacie and all other family members! Mr. Sammy was such a sweet man that was always willing to help anyone. I can remember him swinging Kacie and I on the HUGE swings he built in their yard! I can also remember sitting in the kitchen and him just making us laugh so hard! I also enjoyed seeing him come in the store where I work in Ruston with his students! He was always smiling and always so friendly! He is going to be missed SO much!!!

He was a wonderful man.

My deepest sympathy to your family during this difficult time. Sammy was such a kind and friendly person to work with. I was certainly blessed to know him. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.