Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson was born on December 30, 1969 in California. And even though he was born with a hole in his heart, his heart could not have been more full and complete.

As a boy, Eric loved to be with his friends, playing at the beach or running around like a crazy boy. He always had a big smile on his face wherever he went. Eric also loved taking care of his little sisteralways making sure she was safe and happy. He was so proud to be her big brother and she was so proud to be his little sister.

His family moved to Texas in 1979. And although Eric missed the beach, he enjoyed playing sports like basketball, soccer and track. He attended J.J. Pearce High School where he was an equipment manager for the football team and one year they even got to play at Texas Stadium which was very exciting for Eric. He was also the equipment manager for the basketball and soccer team, a stage crew member, a Safe Ride volunteer, a member of the Hearing Impaired Club and held a part time job at Computer Support. After graduating from J.J. Pearce in 1990 he worked full time at Computer Support. Later he went to the Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf and then went on to Texas State Technical College in Waco where he received a certificate in food preparation. He also held jobs at Blockbuster, Tom Thumb, and WaveWare Technologies. Lastly, he worked part time at Another Broken Egg on Greenville and Fuzzy's Taco Shop on Hwy 190.

Over 10 years ago, Eric joined PASL (Parents & Advocates for Slower Learners) which is a group that helps these wonderful adults connect with each other. PASL truly opened Eric's world up to a whole new group of people, many that would later become his closest friends. He was also involved in Special Olympics where he continued to play the sports he loved with his friends.

Eric enjoyed life and he lived each minute to the fullest. He tried to cram so much into every single day. From movies, to karaoke, sports, to time with friendseveryday was an adventure. Eric enjoyed meeting celebrities at movie premiers and giving gifts & cards to his family and friends for every holiday including Birthdays, Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas where he always played Santa. He also loved the L.A. Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Six Flags, the beach, dancing, St. Patrick's Day, anything that involved a crowd, and especiallymeeting new friends. He also loved and respected his mother to whom he was very close and they talked most everyday.

Eric was a busy man, but he was never too busy for family and friends and made everyone feel important. That is the beautiful legacy he leaves us with. His family and many friends will greatly miss him. We are thankful to know he is in Heaven with Jesus Christ who he accepted as Lord & Savior in high school through Young Life and we are very thankful to know of the many lives he touched with his smile, kindness and big heart.

Eric was survived by his mother and step father, Robert and Terry Moetteli, father Ted Johnson, siblings Andrea Crum and her husband Matt, nephew Drew Crum, Grandmothers Josie Gallega and Alina Moetteli and many great friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Eric's life will be held on Saturday February 18, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Highland Oaks Church of Christ 10805 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, Texas 75238.