Dr. Henry Parker Johnson Jr. passed away at his home in Oxford, Miss., on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, after a long battle with ALS. The memorial service will be Sunday, Jan. 14 at 4 p.m. at Pine Lake Church of Oxford with Dr. Chip Henderson officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the church.

Henry was born on June 11, 1979, in Greenwood, Miss., to Judy Farrish Johnson and Henry Parker Johnson Sr. Henry graduated from Pillow Academy in Greenwood and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi, where he was awarded the prestigious Robert M. Hearin Scholarship for exemplary academic achievement, the Taylor Medal and membership in Phi Beta Kappa.

Henry went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. Following graduation, he completed his residency in internal medicine as well as his fellowship in gastroenterology at Wake Forest University, where he met his future bride, Ashley.

Henry joined the Gastroenterology Associates of North Mississippi team in 2011, where he invested in his patients and their lives, their diagnosis, treatment, care and recovery. He truly cared for their well being and was such an empathetic soul.

He was at his best easing the pain and suffering of others, and bore his own afflictions with courage, and without complaint.

After his illness robbed him of the ability to practice as usual, he continued to pour his heart into his patients through telemedicine.

Henry had a talent for cultivating and sustaining friendships. He could mix company with any age group or social class and all were truly drawn to him. His gregarious personality, unmatched quick wit and wry sense of humor were truly gifts to his family, friends and patients.

Henry’s superior intellect, perpetual learning and respect for science were only surpassed by his love for his wife and two precious children, and his Savior Jesus Christ.

Henry was deeply humbled by the continuous outpouring of love and support from friends, colleagues and caretakers. The family will be forever grateful for these countless acts of love.

Henry is survived by his wife, Ashley Lane Johnson, and his two children, Lane (12) and Jack (9), who were the lights of his life. He is also survived by his parents; sister, Mary Lindsey Smith of Greenwood; brother-in-law, Darryl Lane (Jessica) of Winston-Salem; mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law, Angela and Thurman Lucas; two special cousins, Martha Brock and Merrel Patridge; nieces and nephews, Parker and Julia Smith, and Kailani, Rillar and Wyatt Lane; along with a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209 or online at ALS.org.