Dr. Hugh W. Johnson Sr.

Hugh Wendell Johnson, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Lakeland on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 95 years old. Hugh was a proud “Florida Cracker,” born on January 28,1928 in Bradenton, Florida. He attended local schools in Bradenton, graduating from Bradenton High School in 1946. Hugh (aka Wink to his family and friends) worked diligently during his growing up years, saving the money he earned from his paper route to help achieve his goal of becoming a doctor.

After two years in the U.S. Coast Guard, Hugh went to Emory University in Atlanta, graduating in 1952. Medical school at the University of Tennessee was the next step, followed by internships and residencies in Augusta, GA, Columbia, SC and back to Atlanta. He moved to Lakeland in 1959 and started his practice in pediatrics.

Hugh met the love of his life, Willadean Chezem, while he was home on break from college. They married in 1951, and he and “Sweetie” enjoyed a love story that lasted almost 50 years. They had two children. Hugh Wendell Jr. was born in 1957, and Theresa Ann in 1959.

Hugh was dedicated to his young patients, working seven days a week for many years. His penchant for whistling and singing endeared him to many parents and children – you always knew when Dr. Johnson was close by!

Besides his occupation, Hugh was defined by his positive attitude, his generosity, and his love for his family. Hugh was a big believer in travel as educational, so the Johnson family had many memorable vacations, including a 3-week- long camping trip out west. They never went camping again! He and Willadean continued to travel and then he traveled solo after Willadean passed in 2001. The British Isles were his favorite destination. He visited all the continents except Antarctica.

Hugh’s Christian faith was a huge part of his life, and he was a servant for the Lord, serving as a deacon and singing in the choir. He was also involved with The Gideons International. When Hugh finally retired after almost 50 years in pediatrics, he left the very next day for a mission trip to Brazil, providing health care to children along the Amazon River. He went back to Brazil for a second mission trip, and completed three mission trips to the Dominican Republic, as well.

In addition to his parents, Charles Emory and Jewel Johnson, Hugh was preceded in death by his wife, Willadean, by his brother, Charles, Jr., and by his daughter-in-law, Jackie. He is survived by his children, Hugh Jr., and Theresa Anderson (Burt); grandsons Miles (Kayla) and Drew (Priscilla); four great- grandchildren and three nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 26,2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 S. Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Scott Lake Baptist Church, 5811 Scott Lake Road, Lakeland, FL 33813. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park. The family welcomes donations to One More Child, P. O. Box 8190, Lakeland, FL 33802, or onemorechild.org as an expression of sympathy.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:1-5