of Little Rock, AR
July 23, 1938 - June 6, 2012
Dr. Alan Myers Johnson, of Little Rock, died June 6, 2012 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He was born July 23, 1938 at Spadra, Arkansas to the late Harry Johnson and Norma Kilcrease Johnson. Dr. Johnson received his B.A. degree in 1960 and his M.A. degree in 1962, both in Mathematics, from University of Arkansas - Fayetteville, and his Ph.D. in Statistics in 1971 from Texas A&M University. He was a retired Professor Emeritus, Department of Math and Statistics, University of Arkansas Little Rock where he also served as Department Chair from 1980-87 and 2005-06. He was also a professor at Louisiana Tech University from 1965-1977. He was actively involved in the First and Pulaski Heights Christian Churches of Little Rock. In his own words, Alan loved his ''family first and music second.'' He was a man of many interests and talents, a true Renaissance man.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Bonita Rachel Johnson; daughters Alnita Carroll and husband Phillip of Ruston, Louisiana, Stacie Holloway and husband John of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Emily Johnson and husband Juuso Jankama of Tampere, Finland; grandchildren Brooke Carroll, Lisa Carroll-Smith and husband Chris, Kaleigh Carroll, Lauren Lowe and husband Ryan, Lindsey Holloway, and John Patrick Holloway; great-grandchild Alli Lowe; brother Don Johnson and wife Karen of Clarksville, Arkansas.
A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, (501)224-8300, with Reverend Holly Patton and Reverend Steve Wallace officiating. A reception will follow at the funeral home in the Garden Room.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to invite you to make a memorial gift in Alan's honor to the UALR Foundation-Dr. Alan M. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund, Office of Development, 2801 S. University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. (This fund will be used to enhance the education of graduate students in the math department.)
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34 Condolence(s)
Gary E. Moore
Friday, September 28, 2012
His life touched many others. He will always be remembered fondly.
Phylesia Davis
Thursday, June 14, 2012
I am devastated to hear of Dr. Johnson's passing. Having buried my father on June 1, 2012, I fell behind on my emails and wasn't aware of his passing. Had I known, I would have definitely attended the memorial service to pay my last respects to the best Math Professor and Statistician I have had the pleasure of meeting. My condolences and prayers to the family. Dr. J. will be greatly missed!
Angela Dockery
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
I am honored to have known him.
Howard "Droop" Rhodes
Monday, June 11, 2012
Alan was a friend for fifty plus years that I will miss. My love to the family and friends.
Leslie Koller
Sunday, June 10, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Johnson's passing. Dr Johnson was my adviser for my undergraduate studies in math at UALR back in the late 80's. I loved this man greatly, and would take every class I could with him. He really put a gut at ease in his classes. I did fairly bad on a test in Differential Equations, and when Dr. Johnson found out I had just been diagnosed with diabetes that morning, he told me to go home, get some rest and relax, and I could take it over in a week. I became a math teacher just 6 months ago (at 50 yrs)...I use Dr. Johnson as a model for my practice. RIP, the world has lost a GREAT man.
Mike Gregory
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The world lost a great math teacher who was never too busy to help you. I lost an old friend.
Mark Riddell
Saturday, June 9, 2012
He had the great virtue of a kind and gentle nature, and at his passing left the world not only better than he came into it, but also better educated.
"And gladly would he learn and gladly teach."
georgie henry
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Bonita, I was so sorry to hear about Al. I just found out today from Pat Garrett who used to work at the bookstore at UALR. He was such fun to be around and talk to during his tenure in the Math Dept. My sympathy to you and your family. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Annita & Earl Paul
Saturday, June 9, 2012
The Johnson household made for the best next-door neighbors is the world. We'll always remember Al's perfect spiral football throws to Stacy running down Lantern Hill. Whether it was playing piano, or sharing his mastery of mathematics, Al was a man admired and respected; and a blessing to all.
Becky Upton
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Lots of good childhood memories of Alan. Your family will be in my prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Russell Keck
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Few men have possessed the remarkable qualities and esteemed character of Uncle Alan. He was, truly, a man for all seasons: He had a tremendous mind, and a profound way of viewing the world, which he generously shared with others. I shall never forget the conversations we would have in which, as a kid, he challenged me to think in new ways and, as a adult, he would entangle me in the finer details--never satisfied with something cliche or mundane. He remained, moreover, a source of guidance and encouragement during my own pursuit of higher education, and his influence will continuously be felt throughout my life and career. Insofar as he cultivated his mind, Uncle Alan kept his heart as pure and fun-loving as a child. Doubtless, he had just as much enjoyment playing as us kids during our family gatherings. One could hardly tell a difference between him and the kids, save in size perhaps. I cannot recall a memory of Uncle Alan without an all-out smile on his face. His joy was contagious, to be sure. To say he will be missed seems wholly inadequate for the amount of himself Uncle Alan gave to others, but for this very reason, I will miss him. The same, I am sure, is true to all who knew him.
Frank and Christene Ransom
Friday, June 8, 2012
Bonita and family,
We were in school with Alan in Clarksville. He was truly an incredible person and loved and respected by all that knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Gerald Peeples
Friday, June 8, 2012
Bonita and family and Don Johnson
Condolences for your loss. I was a classmate of Alan's from 1st grade through 12th. He was a friend to all and will be missed.
Bill Attebery
Friday, June 8, 2012
Bonita & the Johnson Family, I was very sad when one of my grand-daughters told me Alan had died. I am still sad but the privilege of knowing and working with Alan have overshowed the sadness. Alan was certainly a person who made the world a better place for so many of us. I have never met a person who was so positive when he had reason to be otherwise. You will be in my prayers and memories of Alan shall live on.
Beth Whitfield
Friday, June 8, 2012
Bonita and family,
I taught with Dr. J for ten years and grew to know him well. He was a great boss, a terrific teacher, and a friend. I always thought the world of him. You are all in my prayers during this difficult time.
Katrina Harden Williams
Friday, June 8, 2012
On behalf of all students who were encouraged and empowered in the mathematical sciences to reach beyond our existing strength and knowledge base, I would like the Johnson family to know, that we appreciate the time that you allowed him to spend with us. He seemed to always find the time to assist me beyond the call of duty. He has left a legacy for all to emulate in our various lifestyles in academia and/or careers in the public and private sectors.
Prayers are with each of you in your time of bereavement.
Katrina Harden Williams
Harold and BaBa Johnson
Friday, June 8, 2012
We have known Alan many, many years. Played baseball with him and grew up in the same neighborhood. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Carol King Stiffler
Friday, June 8, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear about Alan. He always was so funny when you came to visit when we were kids! Back then most daddys were boring but he was always a real kick. I remember all of us playing football in the back yard. I will keep you in my thoughts.
Joanna Dieckman
Friday, June 8, 2012
Dearest Johnson family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve the loss of Al. He was such a great man. Very dear to our family. I have fond memories of visits with Al. He will be greatly missed.
May you all rest in the peace of Christ that is beyond all understanding at this time.
Love you all, Joanna
Tim and Tonya Wyler
Friday, June 8, 2012
Bonita and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sherri Lewis Hart
Friday, June 8, 2012
Dr. J was a true asset to UALR graduate students. I have many fond memories of him as my graduate coordinator and my peers. May God keep you all in His arms during this difficult time.
Kay Prince
Friday, June 8, 2012
Alnita, you and your family will be remembered in my prayers. Am so sorry for yor loss. God will sustain you in this time of grief. Love you, kay
Becky Cornett
Friday, June 8, 2012
Bonita and family, I just want you to know that Alan was one of the finest men I have ever known. I had such respect for his integrity and such appreciation for his dedication to the Preschool at First Christian Church. We are forever in his debt. My thoughts are with you for this unexpected and sad loss.
Love, Becky
Bridget and Bob Harmon
Friday, June 8, 2012
To all the family - We feel so blessed to have known Mr. Alan. He was such a great man, and I really enjoyed his cardplaying skills! My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Susan guillot
Friday, June 8, 2012
Alnita, my prayers will continue to be with you and your family. Much love to you and the girls!
Helen Boersma
Friday, June 8, 2012
I am so sadden by this news. I understand and am praying for your family. Love you
Barbara Boersma Keller
Friday, June 8, 2012
Dear Bonita, Alnita, and Stacie,
All my love and prayers for you as you grieve the loss of Al. Your family and especially Al are such an intrinsic part of my childhood. He was such a wonderful man who spent time talking and playing football and games with us. I loved him as I would love a beloved uncle. My memories are so precious of our family's lives together in Ruston. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Barbara
Alice Clark
Friday, June 8, 2012
Alnita, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Sounds like a truly wonderful man. Keeping you in my thoughts and especially in my prayers. May your memories of him comfort you in the days ahead.
Jennifer (Donaldson) Cheff
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Miss Bonita, Alnita, Stacie & Emily,
Your family is so intrinsic to my entire childhood...there's no way to separate the two. Mr. Al was a huge part of my early life, and he will be so dearly missed. My tears, heart, thoughts and prayers will be with each of you now and in the coming days. I love you so much and wish I was there to give you a hug person. ***HUGS****KISSES****
KaCee Loe
Thursday, June 7, 2012
To all the family, I can truly say you have been so blessed to have had such a wonderful, loving husband, father and grandfather. It is obvious he was loved by so many. I know you will miss him very much, but you all have so many wonderful memories to cling to. He loved you all!!
Kay Palmer
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Alan was a unique individual. We are all better for having had him in our lives. My love and prayers for peace to you, Bonita, and your daughters!
Kay Boothman Palmer
Mike and Madeleine Hamm
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Bonita,
Cherish the memories -- the love, laughter and tears -- and hold them in your heart. Goodbye to one of the Good Guys.
Mike and Madeleine
Marilyn Baskin Kilcrease
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Alan was in my classes at the Clarksville High School.
He was an inspiration to all of us. What a blessing it was to see his determination.
George Horne
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Bonita and Family,
Alan was a dear friend through junior high and high school in Clarksville. His accomplishments were the result of his "never-give-up" attitude. You saddness will be tempered by the loving memories you have amassed over the years.
May God comfort you and sustain you in this time of sorrow.
George F. Horne