Beloved "Courthouse Candy Man" dies after battle with cancer
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The man known in Houston as the "Courthouse Candy Man" has died, Eyewitness News learned this morning.
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A hospice worker said Rick Johnson died at 3:30am. He was 59 years old.
Johnson, who had been suffering from colon cancer, chose to have his remains cremated.
Johnson was known as a positive force in downtown Houston. People often heard him shouting, "Don't worry, be happy," as he sold candy to people headed to court.
In recent weeks, Johnson was the center of a support campaign on GoFundMe to help with his home care. Lawyers who knew him, as well as others in the community pitched in to help, raising more than $30,000.
Speaking from his bedside at the time, Johnson said he was overwhelmed by the support.
"I ain't through crying. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Never in a million years did I think I affect so many people," Johnson said. "Don't worry. Be happy. Be happy. Don't worry. Jesus has your back."
Reporter Steve Campion asked, "Is that your motto?"
"Till the day I die. Till the day I die," Johnson said.
It's yet to be determined what groups will receive all the money that was raised for him. We'll update this story when we know more.
