Biography:
In Loving Memory of Dr. Gerald K. Johnson, Sr.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Dr. Gerald K. Johnson, Sr., who departed this world on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Gerald was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on December 2, 1933, and at the tender age of 2, he moved to Augusta, Arkansas, following the tragic loss of his father. He pursued his passion for chemistry and biology at UCA (formerly ASTC) before graduating from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry at Kansas City.
Gerald proudly served his country as a Captain in the USAF Hospital in Amarillo, Texas, where he practiced general dentistry during three years of active duty. After his Air Force service, he pursued a preceptor-ship program in orthodontics, working alongside esteemed professionals including Drs. Alstadt, Casey, Golden, and Johnson in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Gerald is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Jaquetta (Jackie) Bob Knight Johnson, his parents, Gladys Johnson of Augusta, AR, and Austin, TX, and Kay Johnson of Austin, TX. He is survived by his loving children: G.K. Johnson, Jr. (Claudia) of Atlanta, GA; Brenda Majors; and Scott Johnson (Quinci) of Little Rock. Cherishing his memory are his grandchildren: Ryan Nunez (Ricky), Brooke Johnson and Ross Johnson of Atlanta, GA; and Jackie Majors (Joey), Emily Lang (Derek) and Graeson Johnson of Little Rock. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Kylie Barrow, Mason and Miles Lang.
Gerald was a dedicated member of various dental associations, including the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontics, the Southwestern Society of Orthodontics, the Arkansas State Dental Association, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He served as the president of the Arkansas Society of Dentistry for Children and the Pulaski County Dental Association. Additionally, he was a valued member of the Founder’s Group of the Cleft Palate Clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in 1965.
His commitment to his community extended beyond his professional life. He was a board member of the Scott Connections Plantation Settlement and the Managing Member of the Indian Mounds Land Company, a family enterprise. A devout member of Second Presbyterian Church, he faithfully served as Deacon and Elder during various periods. He was a member of the Little Rock Country Club and a Lifetime Member of the Downtown Rotary Club, where he joyously served as their “unofficial” pianist for over three decades.
A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Second Presbyterian Church or to The Down Syndrome Foundation, organizations that held special places in Gerald’s heart.
In these moments of grief, let us remember Gerald for his kindness, dedication, and love. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
Gerald’s friendship and joyful presence continued through the final 6 years of Sam’s life as he moved to Brookdale, then Hospice Homecare. Gerald’s kindness expanded to include the two residents who shared Sam’s dining table at Brookdale. He often brought them all a pizza and showed his interest and warmth to the entire group.
Sam and I loved Gerald. I will miss him. He always asked about Judaism and was sure there wasn’t a bit of difference in our humanity, only our practices. So, I end this tribute to a wonderful man by calling him a true “mensch”.
I am so sorry that I haven’t been able to greet you, give you all big hugs and then cry with you at his service.
My sincere condolences to you, all his loved ones.