Former Maryland State Delegate Samuel Quinton Johnson III, 83, whose flat-top haircut and dry Eastern Shore humor made him a popular fixture in Annapolis, died Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

Better known as “Q” Johnson, he was born in Salisbury to the late Samuel Quinton Johnson Jr. and Grace Jones Johnson.

A 1957 graduate of Wicomico Senior High School, he was a member of the football team that posted Wi-Hi's first undefeated season.

Following high school, he earned a bachelor's degree in Distributive Education from Richmond Professional Institute of the College of William and Mary. After returning to Salisbury, he joined the Maryland Army National Guard, serving a total of six years and attaining the rank of sergeant.

From 1962-1963, he taught math and science at Wicomico Junior High School and then became Assistant Director of Advertising at Dulany Foods, from 1963-1966.

When Dulany was sold to Green Giant, he purchased West Side Feed Co. in Salisbury, later changing the name to Johnson Seed & Feed Co.

An advocate for education and his community, he served as vice president of Bennett Junior High PTA and as a member of the Health Advisory Board of the Wicomico County School Board. He was also appointed as an auxiliary deputy of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office.

He sold Johnson Seed & Feed Co. in 1981 and ventured into the political arena. He was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1982 and held office for 12 years, serving on the Environmental Matters Committee. He was chairman of the Eastern Shore Delegation from1990 to 1994.

Gov. Parris Glendening appointed him as a member of the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Commission from 1995-2003.

He became a field supervisor with Maryland Department of Natural Resources and managed the field office responsible for responding to fish health and water quality problems.

He remained active as owner and operator of S.Q. Johnson & Co., managing his commercial rental properties in Wicomico County.

He was an advocate for Wicomico’s rural residents who often took his concerns to the Wicomico County Council.

Longtime Councilman Phil Tilghman recalled Johnson’s commitment to the county and his family.

“We campaigned together for his efforts to serve Maryland and he campaigned with me for my efforts to serve Wicomico County. He was rightly proud of his two sons, Quinn and Troy, who both went to James M Bennett with my children,” Tilghman said.

“Q had an infectious smile that was the first thing people saw in him. He had a great sense of humor and truly loved the state of Maryland, especially the good ol’ Eastern Shore, his friends and his family.”

He was an active member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, where in years past he served as both Junior and Senior Warden of the Vestry. As recent as Sunday, May 15, he ushered and assisted for the communion service, and had looked forward to upcoming activities.

He was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Boumi Temple and active member of the American Legion.

He is survived by two sons, Samuel Quinton “Quinn” Johnson IV and Troy Allan Johnson; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by the mother of his children, and with whom he shared much time during the past several months, Rebecca Taylor-White, as well as a niece, Cinda Tindall.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Johnson Stevens.

A funeral service is scheduled 2 p.m., Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m.

A reception will follow at American Legion Post No. 64, 1109 American Legion Road in Salisbury. Interment will follow at a later date.