Raymond Johnson was born in Jeanerette, Louisiana to Kellogg and Rose Mary Johnson. He was the second child born of seven children. Raymond grew up in the Hardy Street Community of Houston where he attended James D. Ryan Elementary School. Raymond played Little League baseball for the Ryon Sports Association, coached by Mr. Herman (Boola) Smith. The “Sports” baseball organization was arguable considered the best club on the Northside of Houston. In the early sixties the Ryon Sports won the city championship 2 years back to back as they serve notices that all championship come through Hardy Street. He also played baseball for the Pony League Baseball Team coached by Mr. Earl Henderson. After his Ryon Sports era ended he became more interested in football.
Raymond attended Kashmere Gardens Junior High School from 1960-1961, he played safety on defense and running back on offense, coached by Mr. Kirby Jones. Their team won the city championship in 1961 and Raymond was named as a running back to the HISD All City Junior High Team. While attending Kashmere Gardens High School, he played varsity football from 1962-1964, and was coached by Billie Matthews, who went on to become an assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers and Super Bowl winners in 1981. Raymond graduated from Kashmere Gardens Senior High School Class of 1965. After graduation from High School, he joined the United States Army. While in the Army, he became a member of the “Funeral Honor Guard” participating in “7 Gun Salute Ceremony” honoring the passing of soldiers with a “21 Gun Salute.” Raymond played football for the Army in South Korea with the I CORPS (GP) Football Team in 1967 under the Leadership of Brigadier General Charles T. Horner, Jr. Today, Raymond is married to Gloria Asberry and enjoying life as a retiree.
