Donald Eugene Johnson

A native Atlantan, Don was born on March 6, 1930 to Samuel Marion Johnson and Helen Stipe Johnson. He graduated from North Fulton High School and studied military history at Georgia Military College. After serving in the United States Air Force, he enrolled in Emory University’s School of Dentistry and continued to serve there after graduation, as a visiting professor and active participant in promoting Emory’s quality dental education.

In 1957, he opened his first dental office on Maple Drive in Buckhead, which he progressively relocated in the early 70s to the North Atlanta area where the practice continues today. At a commanding 6’4” tall with long careful fingers and engaging crystal blue eyes, he painlessly and tenderly treated each and every patient always fiercely devoted to the total care of the whole being, not just the teeth. Don was a gracious, generous and deeply kind southern gentleman who was dearly loved by his family, friends and colleagues. His only boss was God and dentistry was truly his ministry!

Fulfillment of his mantra “to leave it a little better than you found it!” included tireless work with innumerable professional organizations. His involvement included: The Northern District Dental Society where he served as President and received their “Dentist of the Year” award Thomas P. Hinman Dental Society Member, Georgia Academy of Dental Practice The Georgia Dental Association where he served as President and received their “Meritorious Service Award” Member, The American College of Dentists

International College of Dentists USA Section where he served as President International College of Dentists Worldwide where he was honored as a “Master Fellow” and served as President

Don’s brilliant mind and curious self confidence led him to many recreational pursuits that brought great joy and adventure to his life, ALWAYS with his wife and girls in tow! He purchased a local farm where he raised cattle, grew vegetables, stabled horses and also enjoyed boating and water skiing. His top favorite pastime was flying his beloved N71DJ wherever and whenever possible. This true Renaissance man could build a computer from scratch, write software, solve any mechanical problem, answer all questions with correct factual details, cook up a delicious meal, mend his own torn clothing and tell the best jokes on the planet.

As a young boy, he worked with future NASCAR legends Raymond Parks, Red Byron and Red Vogt whom introduced Don to fast cars and racing which he continued to love throughout his life. NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina constructed a recreation of “Raymond Parks Garage” where it is Don’s voice that welcomes you.

Planning for retirement, Don and Jan purchased property in Dahlonega where he quickly joined forces with others in North Georgia to help fund and fully create a much-needed facility to provide dental care for those in need. In 2009, The Good Shepherd Dental Clinic opened its doors in Dawsonville, Georgia.

This new and vast locale also sparked the creation of “Johnson Building and Land Development” feeding his appetite for real estate acquisition. Our eternal optimist recently began construction on a new home that he hoped to enjoy throughout the next decade.

Dr. Donald Eugene Johnson is predeceased by his precious wife of 28 years, Vance Evelyn Ross Johnson.

His survivors include: his loving widow, Jan Ozburn Johnson, with whom he enjoyed 30 wonderful years of marriage; his daughters: Deborah Johnson Boyd Brown and Barbara Johnson Irvine (Bruce); his granddaughters: Kaylin Boyd Buckley (Sean), Kathryn Boyd Brolin (Josh), Vance Irvine McGuigan (Kevin), Hadley Irvine Bradford (Jake), Heighlen Daniel Boyd, Elizabeth Whitaker Irvine; his great grandchildren: Evelyn and Hayes Buckley, Ross and Whitaker McGuigan.

The family would also like to express their sincere thanks to “Don’s boys”, Benito and Vicente, who labored along side him most weekends. He loved you so!

Former patient and friend, Dr. Gil Watson, will lead our celebration of Don’s life at one of his most favorite places on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 2:30 pm at DeKalb Peachtree Airport, 2007 Flightway Drive

Chamblee, Georgia 30341.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to do so may make a charitable donation in Don’s honor to The Good Shepherd Dental Clinic (45 Medical Center Drive, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534) or to the charity of your choice.