DALTON, Ga. — The Memorial Day slaying last year of 16-year-old Andre Johnson shook this city.

Grieving classmates filled the downtown Rock Bridge Community Church two days after the popular Dalton High football player was fatally shot.

And, in the weeks after the gang-related slaying, police stepped up patrols and held community gang forums.

“It seemed like the people came together, for a minute,” 18-year-old Terrance Goodlett recently observed.

On Memorial Day, community members came together again to remember Andre, who they said had a hearty laugh, a protective spirit and dreams of professional football.

Family members arranged graveside services and an all-day cookout at the Dalton Community Center.

“It was something we had to do, not only to memorialize Andre, but also to get some healing ... for the whole community,” said Fred Johnson, Andre’s adoptive father.

The fatal shooting last year highlighted the presence of gangs here.

Five Hispanic men with alleged ties to the Tiny Winos gang were charged in Andre’s death. But, in January, only the gunman — 21-year-old Edgar Hernandez — was convicted of killing Andre and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The other men pleaded guilty to violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.

The investigation into Andre’s death uncovered the possibility that the victim had his own gang ties. District Attorney Kermit McManus said the 16-year-old “claimed” the Crips, a rival gang to the Tiny Winos.

It was this gang rivalry that led to the shooting, Mr. McManus said.

Andre’s adoptive parents, Fred and Elsie Johnson, strongly denied any connection between Andre and the Crips, despite the prosecutor’s claims.

Seventeen-year-old Eric Duncanson said he gets “steamed up” when he hears people imply that Andre played a role in his own death.

“They say, ‘He started it. He shouldn’t have been over there,’” he said.

Mr. Duncanson wishes the community would focus on Andre’s life, not his death. The 270-pound, 6-foot-2 Andre was always the protector of his friends — and of his friends’ friends.

“That dude was one of a kind, man,” he said. “I’m not trying to get all sappy or nothing. I’m just saying.”