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April 5, 2022

Black Tennis Hall of Fame Extends its Deepest Condolences to the Family of Lange Johnson, Creator of The Whirlwind Johnson Foundation, also the Son and Grandson of Hall of Famers Robert W. Johnson, Jr. (2020) and Dr. Robert W. Johnson (2008)




 

 

Longtime Washington, DC-area resident passed away on March 28, 2022, of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Johnson, an avid tennis player and golfer, lived in Fairfax, VA, at the time of his death. He graduated from The Potomac School, Woodrow Wilson High School, and University of the District of Columbia.Born December 27, 1961, in Washington, DC, Lange was the son of Robert W. and Nerissa L. Johnson. He was the grandson of Dr. Robert W. Johnson, credited with coaching tennis greats Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson. Lange and his siblings were all ranked tennis players in the United States Tennis Association (USTA). He continued to compete in tournaments until shortly before his ALS diagnosis.In 2015, Lange created the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the legacy of his grandfather and restoring Dr. Johnson's historic residence and tennis court in Lynchburg, VA.Lange had successful careers as a Vice President at Time Life and at Universal Music Group. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, daughter Zoe, sisters Jolynn J. Smith (Jeffery), Eileen J. Williams, and brother Robert W. Johnson III (Daisy). He is also survived by nieces Alexis and Dylan Williams, NoraJane Conway, and nephew Evan Smith. Lange's loving in-laws, Francis and Virginia Burk, sisters-in-law Alison Shipman (Hunt) Abigail Burk, and Emily Smith (Jason) also mourn his loss. Lange was preceded in death by his brother Julian.Funeral service will be scheduled for a later date. To honor Lange's life and legacy, please consider donating to: whirlwindjohnson.org/donate 



Published by The Washington Post on Apr. 4, 2022.

 

 

 

 

February 1, 2022

BLACK HISTORY MONTH - Tennis Channel and Black Tennis Hall of Fame Collaborate on Black Tennis History

 

WEEK 1: Black Tennis Hall of Fame and Althea Gibson

 






CONGRATULATIONS BLACK TENNIS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2022!!

 

 

 

**WE WELCOME EACH INDUCTEE WITH GREAT HONOR**

 

Click this link or the photo to go to Class of 2022 main page.

 

 

December 31, 2021

December 23, 2021

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2021!!



 

December 22, 2021

Wilbert R. "Billy" Davis Has Passed Away



 

Wilbert "Billy" Davis Has Passed Away A Black Tennis Hall of Fame Class Of 2009 Inductee And The Brother Of Our Past President Robert "Bob" Davis, A Multiple American Tennis Association National Champion, The Author of "A Blueprint For Life," And Many More Lifetime Accomplishments - Heartfelt Condolences To His Family, He Shall Be Missed

 

Born on January 6, 1930, Davis was the winner of 11 National Tennis Titles over a period of 33 years. He won the Boys 16 ATA National Singles and Doubles Championship in 1945; the Boy’s 18 ATA National Championship in 1948; the Men’s ATA National Singles Championship in 1958, 1959, 1963, 1966 and 1967; the Men’s ATA National Doubles Championship in 1954 and 1962; and, the Men’s ATA 45 Singles National Championship in 1978.  Davis played for and graduated from Tennessee A&I. In addition to being one of the best Black players in the country for many years, Davis was a mentor to Arthur Ashe and one of the most influential Black tennis leaders in the country. In addition to winning the ATA National Men’s Double’s titles together in 1962, Billy and his brother Bob (who was inducted into the Black Tennis Hall of Fame in 2014) played an important role in influencing future players and growing the sport in the Black community.

 

 

 

 

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