Lloyd “Lucky” Johnson

PORTLAND – Lloyd “Lucky” Johnson, 86, passed away unexpectedly on March 23, 2025. Born in Portland, Aug. 9, 1938, he was the son of Frederick James Johnson and Mary Agnes McCarthy (Johnson).

Lloyd graduated from Cheverus High School in 1956. After two years dutifully serving his country in the U.S. Navy, Lloyd met Patricia Baade. They married in 1962 and had six children, Vicki, Blaine, Lance, Heidi, Craig, and Brett. Lloyd had a long career as a horse harness racing announcer. He worked at racetracks in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Florida, but eventually ended up back in Maine at Scarboro Downs where he spent 26 years. The self-proclaimed “Eye in the Sky” was a staunch supporter of horsemen who treated their horses well. He is well known by many as the best harness racing announcer in New England and maybe the nation. He had an energy and “flare for the dramatic” and had a way of rhythmically calling the race almost like he was singing.

After leaving the racing game Lucky could be found running the snack bar at the Troubh Ice Arena in Portland and supporting the Portland and Deering high hockey teams. The snack bar featured many favorites like Burgers by Bert, Pat’s popcorn, Nick’s Nachos, the Pretzel Prince of Park Avenue, and the Best Hand Cut Fries in Town. The only rule he had is that you had to have your order ready when it was your turn, or you went to the back of the line.

In his later years, Lucky had three passions: Scarborough High School Football, announcing the Maine Agricultural Fairs and Siesta Key vacations in April. He became an assistant football coach at Scarborough High School in 2010. He spent 10 years on the sideline with the Red Storm advising the coaching staff and building long lasting relationships with players. The highlight at the Maine fairs for many Mainers was hearing Lucky call the races again. As he aged, Lucky began to detest Maine winters and relished trips to Florida in April. He loved the sun, the sand, and Captain Kurt’s in Siesta Key.

Lloyd was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Mary Agnes Johnson; and two older siblings, Frederick James Johnson and Janice Ruth Connors; and his beloved cocker spaniel, Willie.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Johnson; daughter, Vicki Leighton and her husband Greg Leighton of Cumberland, son, Blaine Johnson and wife Keri-Ann Johnson of Lyman, Lance Johnson and wife Tara Schlehuber-Johnson of “beautiful downtown” Buxton, daughter, Heidi Johnson of Portland, son, Craig Johnson and wife Nicole Johnson of Scarborough, son, Brett Johnson and wife Amy Johnson of Ayer, Mass.; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren with a fourth coming in August.

Visitation will be held Friday March 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd. in South Portland, followed by a brief service at 4 p.m.

Condolences may be expressed online at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.