Henley Johnson

Henley B. Johnson Jr., DDS

December 11, 1948 - January 28, 2025

Dr. Henley B. Johnson Jr., devoted son, father, and respected dentist, known to his loved ones as Barney, passed away suddenly on January 28, 2025, at the age of 76. Born in Washington, DC, on December 11, 1948, Barney lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, professional excellence, and a deep love for family, cars, history, and music.

A graduate of The Hawthorne High School in Washington, DC, Barney pursued higher education at Howard University, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees before continuing on to Howard University School of Dentistry. While at Howard, he became a proud member of Alpha Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Cherished "Que" frat brothers and neighborhood, high school, and college friends were lifelines with whom he remained in constant touch throughout his life.

Barney's dedication to his craft led him to a successful career as an oral surgeon, serving patients in both Washington, DC, and Cleveland, Ohio, with skill, compassion, and care. Barney was selected by his employer, Northeast Ohio Neighborhood (NEON) Health Service, to receive their 2015 Health Care Center Hero Award. He retired from NEON in 2017. "Doc," as his devoted patients called him, stayed in touch with many of them long after he rested his scalpel and drill. One thing many knew about this dentist, he had a sweet tooth and loved Hersey Kisses.

Barney's interests extended far beyond the dental office. A lifelong enthusiast of automobiles in all forms, he found joy in collecting (some still remain in their original packaging) and building models. His passion for cruising around in Triumph TR4s and TR6s was legendary in DC. Winter through fall, the garage behind his childhood home was a maintenance and restoration mecca for his prized cars that drew guys from throughout the city to learn from the master. Barney also enjoyed following the high-speed world of Formula One racing, traveling throughout the country to watch races.

Barney's expertise in historical events was remarkable-whether discussing the Civil War, World War I, World War II, or myriad other topics, he possessed an encyclopedic knowledge that left listeners in awe. A man of diverse musical tastes, Barney equally enjoyed jamming to the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, and Motown's greatest hits and listening to Richard Rodger's Victory at Sea, Prokofiev's Cinderella Suite, and Dvorak's New World Symphony. Always cued up in his music app was George Clinton's Atomic Dog, the unofficial Que theme song.

Above all, Barney cherished his family. He especially took immense pride in his son, Henley B. Johnson III, who was the light of his life.

Predeceased by his father, Henley B. Johnson Sr., and his sister, Dorian Johnson Snipes, Barney leaves behind his son, Henley B. Johnson III, and mother, Gwendolyn B. Johnson, as well as sisters, Shelley Johnson Carey (Anthony) and April Johnson. Also left to mourn his loss are nieces, Monica Snipes, Darrielle Snipes, Lauren Epps-Carey, and Gillian Carey; nephew, Adam Carey; grandniece, Skylar Ingram; grandnephews, Michael Austin, Matthew Austin, and Alex Epps-Carey; and great-grandniece, Elizabeth Austin; as well as a host of family and friends.

Barney's legacy of professionalism, wisdom, wry humor, and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His kindness and intellect will be deeply missed but never forgotten.