Thomas E. Johnson Jr.

Thomas (Tom) E. Johnson, Jr. 51 years of age passed away on Aug. 24, 2014 following a two and a half year battle with cancer. His mother and father, Gailya Johnson and Thomas E. Johnson predeceased Tom. He was born in Portsmouth Va. and lived in Chesapeake Va. Tom is survived by his family, loving sister Kim Wagner, and husband Wayne Wagner, his loving niece Kimi Sanford, his loving nephew Robbie Wagner and his love Shannon, and the apple of his eye, his little buddy Colton Jacob Sanford. He leaves an untold number of friends and associates along with his Hilton and Neptune families. Tom cherished his dearest and special friend Nancy Beach. Tom's career in the hospitality industry spanning over 30 years began as a teenager when he established his own business, "Tom Johnson and Company Catering". Tom also worked in the family business, Johnson-Atwell Opticians, and opened two gourmet food and gift shops. His expertise, creativity, and commitment allowed him to have the opportunity to work at many hotels in Hampton Roads and Williamsburg. In 2004 he joined The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel serving as Director of Catering, Special Events and Convention Services where he remained to the present time. Tom's dedication and belief in the value of hard work was acquired from his parents. His standards were exacting, his creativity unceasing and his commitment to excellence unwavering. His clients and staff quickly learned to trust his advice and attention to every detail. He loved his Hilton Family. As he built his professional life, he also grew his service to the community, believing it was an obligation to return something of value to the place where one called home. The organizations, which benefitted from his efforts for many of which he served as chairman covers several pages. They ranged from nonprofit charities such as American Diabetes Association, Food Bank of Hampton Roads, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and Operation Smile to the Educational Institutes of Tidewater including Tidewater Community College and Norfolk State University along with numerous fundraisers he planned and produced. Tom was an active member of ISES, The International Special Event Society, where he served as President. He was also a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Neptune Festival serving as a Triton in the 38th Court of King Neptune. Throughout his career Tom has received numerous awards and recognitions from National Organizations, both industry and nonprofit as well as area and local. Tom and his family wish to express their deepest gratitude and compassion to Dr. Thomas Alberico and his amazing team at Virginia Oncology Associates as well as Dr. Lance Enderson and the wonderful, compassionate and loving staff of 2 South Oncology Unit at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. A celebration of Tom's life will take place at The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel at 31st St. and Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach on Friday September 5th, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel will be receiving flowers, other condolences may be sent to Kim’s home or to Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Care Foundation of Tidewater, P.O. Box 12693 Norfolk Va. 23541 or to the American Diabetes Association. The family wishes to express their love to everyone who has been a part of Tom's life. He will be dearly missed but will live on forever in our hearts with all the fond memories he gave us.

Thomas E. Johnson Jr.

August 24, 2014