TEMPLE, Texas — A Temple father's efforts to honor his son's life have finally come to fruition.
On Friday, Aug. 23, the City of Temple unveiled a new statue of Chris Johnson along Pepper Creek Trail.
Johnson died in a motorcycle crash on Thanksgiving night in 2022 at just 19 years old after being hit by a distracted driver. Since then, his father Gary Johnson has been working to keep Chris' memory alive.
At 7 p.m. on what would have been Chris' 21st birthday, the City unveiled his statue, alongside a storyboard, at the place Johnson would frequently visit to fish, allowing him to cast his line at his favorite spot forever.
"In lieu of a statue, we would certainly prefer to have Chris here so it's very bittersweet," said Gary Johnson. "We're excited that the city saw him fit for these honors, the city knows what a giver he was, and the city knows about his heart and soul and how it was all about giving back to the community and those less fortunate. That was Chris."
For the hundreds of people that will walk by the newly dedicated spot, they'll be able to learn about Chris' story and dedication to the community.
"His impact continues absolutely," Gary Johnson added. "They will be able to see that storyboard, read about Chris and there are challenges on the storyboard that reflect his own missions."
"A sculpture like this one we unveil today does more than enhance our parks aesthetic appeal," said Joey Agee, Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Chair. "It serves as a point of reflection and conversation, inviting us to pause and consider new perspectives. This sculpture in particular will certainly become a cherished landmark along Pepper Creek Trail."
In addition to the statue, Temple Councilwoman Susan Long read a proclamation for Mayor Tim Davis declaring Aug. 23 as Chris Johnson Day.
"I'm grateful to be part of a community that has fathers like this, and has parks like this, and has a future like this and has legacies and examples like Chris's," said Hillary Hickland, a family friend of the Johnson's.
Gary Johnson raised over $6,000 for the statue with the help of the community, hosting a fundraising event at Bold Republic Brewing in Temple on Aug. 3.
Gary Johnson has also started the Christopher Johnson Foundation and sells shirts and bracelets. He hopes to help foster families and children still in the system to find homes and families that love them as much as he loved his son. You can find more information here.
"The world was a better place because there was a Chris Johnson," Gary Johnson told 6 News.
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