He was born January 26, 1918 in Bradley, Illinois the son of Iver M. and Naomi Nyman Johnson. On August 30, 1941 he married Pauline "Polly" McGovern in Decatur, Illinois, She preceded him in death on November 12, 2004.

Dr. Johnson was a graduate of Decatur High School. He attained his undergraduate degree from DePaul University and graduated from Northwestern University Medical School. He was a Lt. Colonel while serving as a battalion surgeon in the South Pacific during WWII. He came to Quincy in 1954 where he operated a private practice until his retirement in 1989. Dr. Johnson was a member of the Vermont Street United Methodist church. He was also founder and part owner of the Quincy Racquet Club. He was the past president of the Quincy Medical Society, St. Mary Hospital and the Tuberculosis Association..

Survivors include 3 children Penny Johnson Shehadeh and her husband Raja of Palestine; Marsha Johnson Millich and her husband Don of Inverness, FL; Paul Johnson and his wife Kathleen Pyne of South Bend, IN; 2 grandchildren Peter Johnson of Inverness, FL; Nicholas Johnson of South Bend, IN.

In addition to his wife, Polly, he was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bruce Johnson, Jr.; and his sister Marjorie Samuelson.

Memorial services will be Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with the Dr. Rob Manning officiating. Visitation will be Saturday morning from 10-11 am at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. Private inurnment will be in Greenmount Cemetery. Memorials made to Blessing Hospital, Quincy, Illinois or to Hospice of Citrus County, 326 Line Ave., Inverness, FL 34452 in his name would be appreciated.