First Street in Cleveland is now known as Johnson Street after an official street renaming ceremony on May 8. The street, located in the Pct. 20 community of Cleveland, was renamed in honor of Reuben “Sugarbear” Johnson and his late wife, Esther. The Johnsons lived in Cleveland for most of their lives, raising generations of their family on the street that now bears their name.
The street renaming was supported by Councilwoman Delores Terry, Johnson’s family members and friends, including longtime Cleveland resident Rodney Harrison. They appeared at a council meeting in April to petition for the street to be renamed.
At the May 8 unveiling of the new street signs, City Manager Bobby Pennington pointed to Reuben Johnson’s military service in the Vietnam War and said the Cleveland community should be proud to have a military hero like Johnson among its residents.
“I think it’s great that 1st Street has become Johnson Street because you, Mr. Johnson, represent what is number one in this community,” Pennington said.
During the war, Johnson was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 2nd Echo Company in the city of Danang in South Vietnam. After serving as the last man in his patrol unit for weeks, Johnson volunteered to be point man, known as one of the most dangerous positions on patrol. For seven months, he served as point man.
On his last day of duty as point man, he was ordered to do an exhibition patrol for new incoming personnel. The patrol was staged on an area where enemy combatants had placed landmines. One of the landmines exploded under his feet as he was finishing the exhibition.
With both legs blown off and one arm critically injured, Johnson was airlifted by medevac to a hospital in Danang where he awoke three days later.
After being medically discharged from the Marines, Johnson found a new career as a watchmaker, instrument maker and radio DJ.
Like her husband, Esther Johnson’s life was devoted to her family and community service. She helped organize events celebrating Juneteenth and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Johnsons also were involved in politics with Reuben serving many years as the Pct. 20 chairman for the Liberty County Democratic Party.
Community residents and city and county leaders gathered for the street renaming of Johnson Street on May 8. Formerly known as 1st Street, the renaming was approved by Cleveland City Council in April to honor Reuben “Sugarbear” Johnson and his late wife, Esther Johnson. 
Relatives of Reuben “Sugarbear” Johnson unveil the Johnson Street signs in Cleveland on May 8 as Johnson looks on. 
Cleveland City Manager Bobby Pennington presents Reuben “Sugarbear” Johnson with a thank you card and letter officially recognizing the renaming of 1st Street to Johnson Street. 
Cleveland City Manager Bobby Pennington thanks Reuben “Sugarbear” Johnson for all of the work that he and his wife have done over the years in the Pct. 20 community. 
Liberty County Sheriff Bobby Rader addresses the small group that gathered on Saturday, May 8, for the official unveiling of street signs renaming 1st Street in Cleveland to Johnson Street. 
Cleveland Councilwoman Delores Terry was instrumental in having 1st Street renamed in honor of Reuben “Sugarbear” Johnson and the late Esther Johnson. 
City and county leaders attended the Johnston Street renaming ceremony on Saturday, May 8, in Cleveland. The street was named for Reuben “Sugarbear” Johnson and his late wife, Esther. 
Reuben “Sugarbear” Johnson and his late wife, Esther, raised generations of their family on the street in Cleveland that now bears their name.
It’s very nice seeing this recognition for such a brave veteran warrior
Thank you for your service!!