Joe Johnson: A tragic loss

By Staff
Aug. 31, 2003
The loss of Joe Johnson, executive director of the Wayne County Economic Development Authority, in a bizarre accident last week was shocking. All who knew him knew a consummate professional who worked tirelessly on economic projects in Wayne County. He was an experienced, talented man whose contributions to the cause of local and state economic development will be sorely missed.
Johnson, 63, was killed about midnight Wednesday when he was struck by a Wayne County sheriff's office patrol car on Highway 84 West as he rushed to assist at his mother's house, which had apparently been struck by lightning and had caught fire. Witnesses said there were no blue lights, sirens or flashing lights operating on the patrol vehicle at the time of the incident.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Joe Johnson's family and many, many friends in Wayne County and across the state.