Gregory L Johnson

Gregory L. Johnson, 73, cherished husband of Sharon Bays Johnson, and long-time resident of Athens, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2019.  Born and raised in the Iron Range of northern Minnesota, Greg was a graduate of Northwestern University and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.  He completed his residency and fellowship in pediatric cardiology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, then moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where he served as a professor and researcher at University of Kentucky Department of Pediatrics.  In 2000, he joined the pediatric cardiology practice of Sibley Heart Center/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, making the children of Athens and Gainesville the focus of his work.

Greg retired from a long and distinguished medical career in December 2014.  Retirement meant more time for reading, golf, swimming, and travel to destinations around the world with his wife, family and close friends.  He adored his children and grandchildren.  He was devoted to his granddaughter Lily and cherished every minute they spent together.  He had a keen interest in family genealogy and, together with relatives in Sweden, traced a line of family descent from the seventeenth century.

Greg is survived by his wife Sharon of Athens; daughter Emily (Jason) Guder and granddaughter Lily of Alexandria, Virginia; son Peter F. Johnson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; brother James K. Johnson of Oneonta, New York; and sister Joanna L. Johnson of Lake Eshquaguma, Minnesota.  He was preceded in death by his son Mark and parents Marvin E. and Vera K. Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Lord & Stephens, West is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com