Claude Willis Johnson was born in Murray, Kentucky, to Perry and Frances Johnson on July 7, 1960. He was their first born. Claude grew up and attended public schools in Murray. He graduated from Murray High School in 1978 and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Claude received a full Military Scholarship to Murray State University along with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Award. He graduated from MSU in 1982. One of his most treasured memories was working his way up the ranks with the Boy Scouts of America and becoming an Eagle Scout.
After attaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering from MSU, Claude enlisted into the United States Army as a Communications Electronics Operations Officer. He greatly enjoyed his tour of duty, especially while serving overseas in South Korea. While in the military, Claude was awarded several decorations, medals, badges, and citations. Among them: The Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, an Army Service Ribbon and an Overseas Service Ribbon. After ten years, Claude was Honorably Discharged from the Army with the rank of Captain. Claude loved his country and served it with great pride.
After his separation from the military, Claude worked for several companies exercising the gifts that God had given him, one of them being a brilliant mind. Since 2012, Claude worked as a Developer Advisor for AIM Specialty Health located in Chicago, Ill. Working for AIM allowed him to move back home to Murray so he could be closer to his family while maintaining a home-based office. He worked faithfully for AIM until a few days before his passing.
At a young age Claude realized that he had a gift and a passion for art. Drawing and painting was not just a hobby for Claude, it was his way of life. Seldom did he go anywhere without having a pen, pencil, and sketchbook in hand. His talent did not go unnoticed either. He received many requests, recognitions, and accolades for his art pieces throughout his life. Matching his extraordinary artistic abilities was his infectious smile and warm personality. Accepting his calling to the Ministry of the Gospel while he was in the Army helped to mold together all of Claude’s passions in life. He loved all of God’s people and lived to help and serve all who he came across, especially those who were in need. Even during the short time that he battled cancer, Claude never missed an opportunity to minister to those he felt needed encouragement.
The two things that Claude would want us all to remember is to serve the Lord with all your heart and never live life with regrets. Life is much too short to have to keep reliving what could have been.
On December 7, 2019, Claude was called home to be with our Lord. Left to miss deeply and forever cherish his memory is his wife Patricia Johnson. His parents Perry & Frances Johnson. One brother Craig (Erica) Johnson. Two sisters Melinda Johnson and Melissa Johnson. Five children: Von, Tavaris, Eric, Octavia, & Sasha Johnson, as well as a host of grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and good friends to mourn his passing.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, December 16, 2019 at Higher Praise Worship Center, 5623 Hwy 641 North, Almo, KY 42020. Rev. E.F. Clere will officiate. Burial will follow at the Murray Cemetery.
The family will receive visitors between 5-8 PM, Sunday, December 15, 2019 at the Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home, 1804 Highway 121 Bypass North, Murray, KY 42071.
Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Mr. Johnson by visiting www.imesfh.com and posting your tributes and memories.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to: Wings of Hope Food and Clothing Pantry c/o Higher Praise Ministries, 5623 HWY 641 N. Almo, KY 42071.
