A Lifetime of Showing Up
By Doug Stauffer
Plenty of laughter filled Bernard Johnson’s October 1 “retirement” reception. Ted Corcoran, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, served as emcee and opened with a gentle roast, complete with a meme casting Bernard as FPL’s virtual assistant. Familiar sayings and affectionate stories kept everyone smiling. As the evening unfolded, the tributes grew more personal. Those who had worked alongside Bernard wanted him to know how much he is loved.
Bernard is one of the kindest, gentlest souls I know. He is quick-witted, has a wonderful sense of humor, and brings warmth to every occasion. If there is an important event in Okaloosa County, you can expect to find him involved. At this gathering, the man who so often helps recognize others was the honored guest.
When Bernard finally took the microphone, his first thought was of his wife, Lisa. He recognized her and presented her with flowers before mentioning his own career. After an evening devoted to honoring him, Bernard began by honoring her.
Bernard then quoted two Scriptures that helped explain the kind of man we had gathered to honor. The first was about a good name: Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Those words carried weight in that room. We had heard from people representing businesses, military organizations, education, and community service. A good name develops through the way a person conducts himself, keeps his commitments, and treats others. The evening gave us an opportunity to hear what Bernard’s name meant to the people who knew him best.
The second Scripture concerned friendship: Proverbs 18:24a “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly…”
Bernard has certainly shown himself friendly. His approachable manner and ready humor make people glad to see him. Nathan Sparks of One Okaloosa Economic Development Council spoke about his positive attitude and constant smile. That friendliness has helped him build relationships across our county.
Tony Mallini, who was Gulf Power’s general manager when Bernard was hired, offered a memorable compliment. He joked that when his wife wished he were more like someone else, he answered, “I wish I was more like Bernard.” Coming from someone who had known Bernard’s work for so many years, that was a remarkable expression of respect.
Mallini described Bernard’s priorities as his Lord and Saviour first, then his family, and then his customers. He also shared a saying that suited Bernard’s approach to work: “Think like a customer and act like an owner.” The Scriptures Bernard quoted and the flowers he presented to Lisa reflected those priorities. Bernard also reminded us that God has a plan for all things.
Of course, an evening honoring Bernard would have been incomplete without his familiar phrases. Patt Maney brought up one that many people have heard when Bernard offers to help: “I know a guy.” Those few words capture his knack for knowing whom to call and connecting people with someone who can help.
Maney’s advice was affectionate and practical: “Stay around, stay involved, or at least give us the list.” The joke worked because so many people understood it. Bernard’s relationships have helped organizations accomplish their work, and his willingness to make a connection has been a service in itself.
Gordon King, CEO of Okaloosa Gas, added another chapter to the story. He recalled persuading Bernard to convert his home to gas appliances, an amusing accomplishment given Bernard’s employer for almost four decades. Even the story of a fireplace that stopped working brought us back to the familiar “I know a guy.” King ended by joking that Bernard would move in with Okaloosa Gas now that he was retired from the power company.
Neko Stubblefield of Eglin Federal Credit Union found humor in another part of Bernard’s communication style. She said she used Claude, an artificial (super) intelligence assistant, to interpret his text-message lingo. If even Neko—who is every bit as well connected in Okaloosa County as Bernard—needed help deciphering his texts, the rest of us never stood a chance.
The gifts were memorable too. A flag presentation took a comic turn when the flag measured just two by three inches rather than one that flew over the Capitol in Washington. The Chamber presented socks bearing Bernard’s face. Sam and Gus from Harley-Davidson gave him a jacket and welcomed him into the Harley-Davidson family. The all-too-familiar Vince Mayfield of Bit Wizards presented this. Those presentations had plenty of personality.
Behind the laughter was a career that began much more modestly. Bernard recalled moving here in 1984 and working in Kmart’s garden (“flower”) shop. It took two years to get hired at Gulf Power. He started on a line crew and worked his way through other responsibilities, including engineering. His career with Gulf Power and Florida Power & Light spanned nearly forty years, with experience in customer service, marketing, and operations.
His last day with FPL was September 30, 2026. For about two decades, he was a principal contact for Gulf Power and later FPL, building relationships with elected officials and military leaders. As regional manager of external affairs, he worked with many of the people and organizations who gathered to thank him.
Bernard also recalled beginning his board service in 1992, with the Boys and Girls Club among his earliest commitments. That involvement grew to include dozens of boards. He is reported to be among the few people who have served on the board of every chamber of commerce in Okaloosa County. If a board is doing important work, Bernard is often involved, frequently as chairman or president.
Northwest Florida State College President Mel Ponder and Foundation Executive Director Chris Stowers helped recognize his service to the college and foundation. Chamber Chair Bonnie Barlow of Bridgeway Center also joined an evening that reflected the breadth of his relationships. Representatives from Warren Averett also joined in the appreciation. His involvement with the All Sports Association and the Taylor Haugen Foundation further illustrates his interest in serving young people.
Major General Leslie Hadley of Air Force Special Operations Command offered some remarkable details. Colonel Chris Keithley, Base Commander, 96th Test Wing, called Bernard a “mover and shaker.” Their remarks reflected the relationships Bernard has built with the military community throughout his career.
The Destin Chamber had already honored him on September 11 with its Lifetime Membership Award. At the retirement reception, it was easy to understand why organizations wanted to recognize him. His work and his community involvement had become closely connected. When people needed an answer or help getting something done, they called Bernard.
Bernard also kept the evening in perspective. “The graveyard is full of indispensable people,” he said. It was a reminder about humility from a man whose accomplishments had been celebrated all night. Then he offered a practical rule that helps explain how he gets so much done: “If something takes two minutes or less, do it now.”
We finally heard Bernard’s beehive story, which had given his friends plenty of material for the evening’s gentle roast. He explained that civic programs such as honorary commander bring people “inside the hive,” where they can see how relationships are built and decisions get made. From outside, people may wonder how it all happens. His explanation had the room laughing, but the point came through: Bernard has spent years opening doors, making connections, and helping people get into the hive.
His next chapter is already taking shape. Bernard announced that he will join the Jay Odom Group in mid-October, another respected organization deeply involved in our community. The sun has set on his FPL career, but a new opportunity is already rising. Apparently, Bernard’s retirement will last about two weeks, so we can expect him to keep showing up.
Ted returned to the stage for the final moment. “Jay Odom owns the mic,” he said, encouraging Bernard to drop it and walk off. After some good-natured prodding, Bernard finally dropped the microphone and left the stage. It was a fitting ending to a wonderful evening honoring a man whose kindness has made so many people glad to see him walk into a room. Here’s to you, Bernard. We’ll always save you a seat at the table—unless you get there first and save one for us.
