6/21/1940 - 4/14/2021 "There’s heroes and there’s legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die."
It is with great emotion that we must let you know that “Catfish” Johnny Galvin has passed away after a fierce battle with leukemia. Johnny faced this final test with enormous strength and dignity. He surpassed all expectations, and held on much longer than anyone could have believed. Many things can be said about Johnny but what stands out the most is the strength of his resolve. Over his 80 years, Johnny has stared down every challenge he has faced, bravely and with great character.
Johnny Galvin was born June 21, 1940 in Englewood, Florida. He proudly served his country in the Navy for ten years. When Johnny returned home, he continued to pursue his passion of performing: singing country music and picking his guitar. His other great passion was food; cooking and enjoying it with those that he considered friends. Johnny combined these two dreams and created “Catfish Johnny’s Restaurant” and formed “The Hushpuppy Band” which still entertained people from all over the country up until this past year at the Tuesday jam. In keeping with true Johnny form, he has built a restaurant like no other. There are probably quite a few who still remember Ole Amos, his alligator. Johnny would set up out front and put on a show of feeding Amos. This duo entertained and educated children all over the state of Florida. For over 30 years he has been known far and wide for creating a place of fellowship and family. No matter who you were, or where you were from, when you came in you felt welcomed.
Johnny truly loves the Lord and tried to be a faithful servant. Though we are saddened by the great loss we feel, we are celebrating the gift that he is no longer dealing with any sickness or pain, and we consider ourselves blessed to have been able to know and love: