Having been raised on a dairy farm in Montevallo, Alabama, Tom graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (later Auburn University) in 1956 with a doctorate of veterinary medicine degree. He moved to Memphis after graduation to begin his career. In the early 1960s he opened his own practice, Eastgate Animal Clinic, and in 1985, expanded to open Olde Towne Animal Clinic in Germantown. During his years of practice, he served on the Memphis/Shelby County Veterinarian Association board and the Animal Emergency Board as well as being one of the founding members of the Animal Emergency Center. He had the opportunity to practice alongside his son, Gram for 8 years until he retired from practice in 1996. More than 20 years after retirement former clients still ask about him and his welfare.
During retirement he helped start the Helping Hands ministry at church doing many different odd jobs, yard work, repairs or anything else that was needed for the ministry at Brinkley Heights, the elderly and widows. Tom also enjoyed participating in several mission trips to Ecuador, Venezuela, India and the Dominican Republic as well as supported the missionary work of his daughter and family in the Dominican Republic and Chile. He was a long-time member of the Germantown Baptist church choir, the Hallelujah Chorus (senior choir) and a Deacon Emeritus at Germantown Baptist Church of which he was a member for 54 years.
He will be remembered by his deep love for his family and his Savior as well as his infectious smile, firm handshake, delicious homemade rolls and jam, his love of ice cream and Auburn football and his lovingkindness to people and animals alike. Tom had a heart to serve others and it was evident in everything he did.
Tom is survived by the love of his life, Chita Hodges Johnson, having celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on August 3, 2021. He is also survived by the children with which the Lord blessed them: Chita Johnson Drinkard (Frank) of Birmingham, AL, Dr. Gram Johnson (Gina) of Germantown, TN and Ellen Johnson Chatham (Mike) of Olive Branch, MS. Tom also leaves a beloved sister, Barbara Johnson Barton, Nashville, TN, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Tom loved spending time with his grandchildren: Daniel Drinkard (Amy), Birmingham, AL, Anna Beth Drinkard, Memphis, TN, Nathan Johnson, Birmingham, AL, Maggie Johnson Thiessen (David), Memphis, TN, Christin Chatham Poley (Todd), Collierville, TN, Michael Chatham (Ellyn), Olive Branch, MS and Josh Chatham (Madison), Fayetteville, AR. The seven great grandchildren put a huge smile on his face every time he saw them and he would have loved knowing the two more on the way too.
A memorial service for Dr. Johnson will be held on Friday, August 27, at 2 p.m. at the Germantown Baptist Church with visitation preceding at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be at Magnolia Cemetery in Collierville, TN. The family desires that any memorial gifts be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Germantown Baptist Church Music Ministry.
