Craig Whitaker Johnson

Dr. J had a passion for learning and teaching. He was a loyal friend and caregiver and had a gift for making others feel like family. He was known to do the “unexpected extra” and his legacy will live on through those he has impacted.

Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, he grew up in Terrace Park, Ohio and was graduated from Mariemont High school in 1966. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University on a basketball scholarship, was graduated from The Ohio State University in 1971 and the Medical University of South Carolina in 1978. He did his Internship and Residency at Columbus Children's in Columbus, Ohio. After a two-year Pediatric Infectious Disease fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Dr. Johnson opened his medical practice in Middletown where he was a solo practitioner for 30 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Eugenia Parker Johnson, his children Megan Sanders (Tom), Lesley Donley (Nick), Cristen Johnson (Josh Burnett), Madison Kakaris (Nick) and grandchildren Gage, Carson, Crew, Whitaker, Gabriel, Hayes, Beau, Dahlia, Collins, Malone, Finn and Berkley; and his brother Jay T. Johnson (Carol) of Middletown, nephew David, and niece Julie, cousins John Perkins (Connie), Richard Perkins (Traci). He was preceded in death by his father John Thomas Johnson and mother Minnie Belle Whitaker Johnson.

The family wishes to acknowledge the excellent care provided by the Doctors and Nurses at Atrium Medical Center- the very halls he walked to care for so many. A special thank you to Tammy and Sarah Mullins who sacrificially cared for Craig in his final hours. We would also like to thank our dear friends Rev. Michael Vilardo and Pastor Lamar Ferrell who prayed over Craig and our family, loving us through this journey the past two months.

The outpouring of love from the community will never be forgotten and your prayers continue to carry our family. Dr. Johnson did not want a funeral service; however, we want to express our appreciation to you for your support. Please join us for an open house celebration on Tuesday, October 1 from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Berachah Church 1900 Johns Road Middletown, Ohio.

If there is golf in heaven, we know that Dr. J is waiting on the first tee in hopes that you, too, will be there one day!