[AT] Another member of our ranks has passed

[charlie hill]

Most folks from ATIS will not know this fellow but many who also
frequent the old engine sites, or did a few years back, will remember
Gerald Johnson from Avery Co. in the NC Mountains.  He was my
dear friend for many years and we talked by internet at least once and
usually several times a day.  In recent years he developed a rare
muscle wasting disease that not only made it hard for him to get around
but also affected his heart.  He's had and recovered from several heart
procedures in the last few years.   About 2 weeks ago he had surgery
for a bleeding ulcer that caused him to loose a lot of blood.  He was back
at home and recovering from that surgery when today he took a turn
for the worse and died in route to the hospital in an ambulance.

Gerald knew he didn't have much time left and he had hinted that to me
many times.  I would just encourage him to take care of himself.   My mother
is 97 and near her end as well.  Gerald prayed for her and for me every day.

I just thought that those who knew him would want to know.
I will miss him more than words can possibly express.

Charlie Hill