Thomas Edward Johnson, 71, passed away peacefully November 8, 2012 with his family by his side. Tom was born January 17, 1941 in Chattanooga, Tennessee and came to California at eight years of age. Tom resided in Southern California with his parents, Pete and Ruth Peters. Tom served in the Air Force for six years; he was stationed in Germany, Libya, and Biloxi, Mississippi.

July 8, 1966 Tom married Janice Michael, the love of his life and spent 46 happy years together. In July of 1970 they were blessed with their son, Mike.

Through the years Tom did many things. He was a mechanic and sold tractors at his father in laws John Deere Dealership. He owned a backhoe service, muffler shop and was a self-employed tool salesman for Mac Tools. After retiring Tom returned to work, he spent seven years at Hedrick's Chevrolet in Clovis, California before his final retirement in June of 2010.

Racing was Tom's life. He enjoyed helping and watching his son Mike race BMX Bikes, Hobby Stocks, later Modified's and Late Models. He knew no stranger at or away from the racetrack.

Most of all Tom loved spending quality time with his grandchildren, "Best Buddy" Kevin and his "Hot Shot" Kendall.

His foster parents Pete and Ruth Peters preceded Tom in death. He is survived by his wife Janice, son and daughter in law, Mike and Jamie, grandchildren Kevin and Kendall, sister Marilyn Boyden and numerous nieces and nephews.

A "Celebration of Life" will be Saturday, November 17, 2012, 2:00 pm at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Lompoc.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1432 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 directed to lung cancer research or the Lung Cancer Alliance, PO Box 418372, Boston, MA 02241-8372 in Tom's memory.