Kelly “Dr. J” Clark Johnson, 73, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, Dec. 12, 2023.
Kelly was born to Kenneth and Marese Johnson in Grantsville, Utah, July 5, 1950. After graduating from Grantsville High School in 1968, he served an LDS mission in the Wales/England area. Upon returning home, he attended Brigham Young University where he met Gloria Marie Mikkelson and was married March 22, 1974, in the Manti Utah Temple.
Kelly was an adored seminary teacher and later became an Institute teacher for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kelly later went on to finish his doctorate degree at BYU while working and raising five children. His academic journey led him to become a revered educator, imparting wisdom and insight into the rich tapestry of religions to countless students. His patience and ability to simplify complex teachings made him a beloved figure both in and out of the classroom. Some of his loves and hobbies included camping, fishing, music, spending time with his grandchildren, painting, and tennis. Despite his many trials, he always had the most optimistic outlook and found true joy in serving and giving to others throughout his entire life. He had a passion for art, and in his later years, he focused mostly on painting. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you may have one of his originals.
For the last two years, Kelly resided in Provo, Utah, at Cove Point where he was able to paint, hold a church calling of the ward blessing coordinator, and brighten the lives of all those around him with his jokes, witty humor, storytelling, and his natural ability to listen to others and connect with compassion. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ron, his wife Gloria, and his son Jeff. He is survived by his three daughters Chari (son-in-law Mark), Melissa, Kelene (son-in-law David); and his son Nathaniel; also his grandchildren whom he loved very much Kacelyn Sage, Ethan Jeffrey, Noah Robert, Jaycee Ann, Kade Tyler, Ryder Jon, River Zen, Weslie Jane, Rumi Rey, and Riley Sage; as well as his four sisters, for whom he was very grateful and blessed to have, Karen, Diane, Ann, and Julee.
A viewing and service will be held in his honor Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 E. 800 North, Orem, Utah. Viewing: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Service: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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