Father dies in crash on his way home from delivering presents to homeless shelter

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) - A father of four known for giving back died in a car crash on his way home from delivering presents to an Ohio homeless shelter. Even as they mourn, his family says they plan to carry on his charitable legacy.

Brandon Johnson, a 44-year-old business owner and father of four, was known for his charitable contributions. He was on his way home Thursday night from the 8th annual community giveback at the Family House in Toledo when he died in a car crash, WTVG reports.

Just hours before the fatal crash, Brandon Johnson was working to make sure kids had a Christmas to remember. He helped pass out toys at the Family House and provided one of his charter buses so kids could go look at Christmas lights.

“He cares about his community and his kids. That was his life, and it became our life,” his mother, Becky Johnson, said.

Brandon Johnson started his own business at the age of 18 called Team Johnson Limo. He used that business to form multiple partnerships to help give back to the community. In the wake of his death, his family is planning to carry on his legacy and continue his charitable efforts.

“Brandon was very passionate about collecting money and giving a Christmas to kids that weren’t going to have a Christmas. We will work together to find strength to carry out his legacy and charitable efforts because that’s what he was about, and we plan on making him proud,” his sister, Bobby Jo Raftery, said.

Landon Johnson, the oldest of Brandon Johnson’s kids, describes his father as a family man and says he continues to be inspired by him.

“When he set his mind to something, he always found a way to get it done. He loved nothing more than to spend time with his family and put a smile on other people’s faces. He truly lived every day with joy and was everything you could ask for and a ton more of a father. If there is one thing to take away from my dad, it’s to make memories every day, never settle and help those who are less fortunate,” Landon Johnson said.