Hugh Richard “Dick” Johnson, MD
Hugh Richard “Dick” Johnson, Jr., 92, passed away on September 10, 2024, at St. Catherine’s Village in Ridgeland, MS. He was born at home, February 2,1932, in Columbia, MS to parents, Ava Amanda Dale Johnson and Hugh Richard Johnson. Growing up in Columbia, he worked at his uncle’s lumber mill and took advantage of the delivery truck to pick up his girlfriend after work.
He attended Duke University, Ole Miss and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. While in medical school he proudly but briefly lived at the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, during the term of his uncle, Governor Hugh White. After graduating medical school in 1957 he completed his internship at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, served as Flight Surgeon in the US Navy and accomplished full residency at John Gaston Hospital in Memphis. He began his practice of medicine in 1961 as a surgeon in Jackson, MS. He served the community for 47 years, serving as Chief of Staff at St. Dominic’s Hospital and saving the lives of countless patients along the way (and sewing up your writer several times). He deeply respected his partners and staff at Lakeland Surgical Clinic.
On December 22, 1956, he married his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Armistead Price of Jackson. She passed away in 2012. He is survived by sons, Hugh Richard Johnson III and his wife, Cathy Norgan Johnson of Dallas, TX and Robert Price Johnson and his wife, Vikki Hughes Johnson of Oxford, MS. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Anna Johnson Hoffard and her husband, John Russell “JR” Hoffard of Pearland, TX , William Price Johnson and his wife, Ashley Rhodes Johnson of Dallas, Hunter Lee Johnson and his fiancee, Catherine Ames of Dallas and Price Richard Johnson of Plano, TX. Also surviving him are four great-grandchildren: Evan Chase Hoffard, Addison Lynn Hoffard, Lillian Grace Johnson and Frances Elizabeth Johnson. Dr. Johnson is also survived by his two sisters, Dorothy Warren Callahan of Atlanta and Joyce Johnson Moreland of Baton Rouge, along with many nieces and nephews.
On January 30, 2017, Dr. Johnson happily married and is survived by his wife, Jeanne White Johnson, of Jackson and daughter, Debbie White Perkins and her husband, Chip Perkins of Somerset, VA; and son, Charles Royal White and his wife, Mary of Birmingham, AL. They had seven blessed years together.
He served as Elder of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson and sang in the choir for many years. He loved music and literature. He travelled around the world, appreciating art, architecture and culture. He loved tennis and duplicate bridge, as well as relaxing on the beach at Destin. He was the quintessential renaissance man and a true gentleman.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.
Our gratitude goes to Mrs. Questine Benson, Dr. Al Steele, the compassionate, caring employees of Joy Care and St. Catherine's Village.
Funeral Services were held at First Presbyterian Church, 1390 North State St, Jackson, MS on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 11:30. A Visitation at the Church from 10:00 – 11:30 preceded the funeral. Burial was in Parkway Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made in Dr. Johnson’s name to the Choir Fund at First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS or to the University of MS Foundation for the sole benefit of the University of MS School of Medicine.