Robert Louis Johnson was born February 6, 1947 in Pittsburg, Texas. He attended Fredrick Douglass School. He later joined the United States Air Force.

Robert was a member of Center Point Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School secretary for many years.

Robert transitioned from labor to reward August 1, 2017 at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He was preceded in death by: his parents, Peola and Leuna Sheppard; brothers, Billy Ray Sheppard and Albert Sheppard; sister, Hazel McCloud.

Robert leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Mary Chatman; sons, Keric Chatman and Samuel Lucas; grandsons, Keric Jr., Kerion, Keddric, Kuyran and Sam Jr.; granddaughter, Airica; brothers, Edgar Sheppard (Angela), Arthur Sheppard, Lawrence David Sheppard, Clarence Sheppard (Donna); sisters, Thelma Lett, Helen Hatten (Debron), Margie Morton, Madie Martin (Clifford); aunts, Willie Mae Nickleberry and Catherine Palmer and a host of other relatives and friends.