Dr. Robert Charles Johnson, DDS, entered eternal rest June 11, 2023. He was born August 10, 1954 in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Robert (affectionally known by family and friends as "Tooney" or Rob) spent his childhood in Muskogee. He attended Mrs. E.A. Sessions Kiddie Kollege, Wheatley Elementary School, Sadler Junior High School and Manual Training High School. He graduated from Muskogee High School in 1972.
His childhood was spent riding bikes & motorcycles, fishing, hunting, and exploring all that a small town could offer a brilliant, exceptional young man like Rob. He was always at the academic top of his classes and excelled in not only academics, but also music and wrestling in his younger days. Rob was strongly influenced by his Dad, Thomas. His Dad always told him he would be president one day! His Father instilled a hard work ethic and challenged Rob to be the best he could be. While attending the late Mrs. Session's Kiddie Kollege, Robert stood out academically so that Mrs. Session was the first to predict that he would become a Doctor! He was also strongly influenced by his loving Maternal Grandmother, Elizabeth Davis Chamberlain, who he spent so much of his childhood with on 17th Street in Muskogee; and his Paternal Grandparents, Elbert and Hazel Johnson. He was always close to family and loved and adored his Aunts and Uncles. The bonds with his Aunts and Uncles were so strong that they grew up as close as siblings.
Robert was a member of the Manual Training High School band under the instruction of the late Boston Russell. He played the tuba & trombone and met numerous lifelong friends. He enjoyed being part of the band and fondly spoke of performing in parades and festivals. His favorite was the Stillwell Strawberry Festival. Rob cherished those times.
Rob was baptized in the Nelson Chapel Second Cumberland Presbyterian Church by the late Reverend S.A. Nelson. Robert was active in the church. Sunday School and Church made a huge impact on him for life and strengthened his faith. He attended the Church's annual conventions and Synods faithfully throughout the United States. Rob often spoke of the wonderful experience growing up at Nelson Chapel.
After high school graduation, Robert attended Northeastern State University at Tahlequah where he studied Engineering before transferring to Oklahoma State University at Stillwater, where he obtained his bachelor's degrees in biology and chemistry. While at Oklahoma State, Rob became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Epsilon Epsilon Chapter in 1973. Robert later attended the University of Oklahoma and obtained his master's degree in biology. After obtaining his Master's, Robert was admitted to the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center and went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery, July 27, 1979.
While at The University of Oklahoma, Rob met the love of his life, Earline (Carter). Although no person is perfect, Rob and Earline were perfect for each other.
They married December 17, 1982 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and spent the next 41 wonderful years building their lives together. Earline supported Rob as he built his private Dental practice and other business ventures. Robert and Earline were the parents to three beautiful children, Robert (Bobby), DeAndrea (Dee) and Daniel Brett (Brett). Family was Robert's first and foremost priority. He made many sacrifices for his children and loved them with all his heart.
Robert purchased his private dental practice in 1991 from the late Dr. Harold Tollett, DDS. He practiced Dentistry for many years, caring for patients. He helped so many citizens of Muskogee, even those that were financially challenged. His giving spirit forgave so many debts! Robert had a heart of gold. Dr Johnson had patients traveling from all around the state to his dental practice. It is nestled downtown in the heart of Muskogee. Prior to purchasing his private practice, Robert was also a dentist at Morton Health Clinic and Westview Clinic. Robert also practiced Dentistry in Missouri, Kansas, Texas and across the State of Oklahoma as a traveling Dentist for the last several years.
He met so many new people that loved and trusted him. He was known as the "Gentle Dentist": patients always felt comfortable and safe with him.
Robert was also very close to his father-in-law, Othelon (Brownie) Carter, Sr. His father-in-law taught Rob to create trout lines, hunt and were the very best friends. Earline & Robert's families became so closely intertwined that became one.
Robert was a kind loving soul. He was always the life of the party. His sense of humor and his knack for the sarcasm kept his family constantly in laughter. He was a connoisseur of delicious food and was always on the lookout for new restaurants. He enjoyed trying new delicacies and thrived on unique experiences.
Traveling was another of Robert's passions. He traveled all over the United States. He loved Florida. He traveled so much that he was a platinum flyer!
Robert was the best Husband, Son, Brother, Father, Grand Father, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin and Friend! He loved and took care of everyone. All his family knew that they could depend on him. He helped everyone in his family in so many ways and never expected anything in return. Even when people disappointed him, Rob still loved them...no matter what.
Even with the highs and lows of life, Rob maintained a positive outlook and spirit. Even facing the most difficult challenges, Rob persevered. Even though he fought a valiant battle, God knew best: on June 11, 2023 he received his robe and crown of righteousness. He is now at peaceful eternal rest.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Thomas; his sister, Deborah Elaine; Maternal Grandparents, Elizabeth Goudeau Davis Chamberlain; David B. Davis and R. C. Chamberlain: Paternal Grandparents, Elbert and Hazel Johnson; his in-laws, Othelon (Brownie) and Dorine Hamilton Carter and several Uncles, Aunts, his Niece and Cousins.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Earline of the home; his children, Robert (Bobby) C. Johnson of Claremore, Oklahoma; DeAndrea (Dee) Johnson Billings of Fort Worth, Texas & Daniel Brett (Brett) Johnson of Los Angeles, California; his mother, Helen Johnson, of Muskogee, Oklahoma: Grandchildren Morgan Rae Johnson, Robbye Kaye Johnson-Lefevers, Kalen Mishan Fulcher, Whitney Michelle Johnson & Caleb Michael Johnson, all of Missouri and Sydney Symone Johnson of Auburn, Alabama; Kaylah Wilson and Deven Billings of Fort Worth, Texas: Great grandchildren, Liam Chuka Ofojebe, Amara Morgan Ofojebe, Kamden Mishan Fulcher, Kyren Robert Fulcher, Graceyn Carol Johnson, McKenna Linda Johnson and Kliera Nicole Lefevers, all of Missouri : Sisters, Bernadine (James) Parker of Oxnard, California; Tommye Kaye Johnson of Memphis, Tennessee and Angela (Cecil) Piercy of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma: Maternal Aunts, Stella Marie Childress of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Patricia Taylor of Wichita, Kansas; Maryanne Davis of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Robbie (Roger) Holt of Wichita, Kansas; Lynell (Kenny) Mack of Wichita, Kansas and Jackie Morris of Wichita, Kansas and Paternal Uncle, Cedric Johnson of Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Robert also leaves behind numerous Nephews, Nieces, Cousins(#TheNativez), extended family through his marriage and too many friends, esteemed professional colleagues, faithful patients, beloved classmates, and his Ice-Cold Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Robert we love you always and forever!
Dr. Johnson's Celebration of Life Services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, June 24, 2023 in the Moore Funeral Home - Southlawn Chapel, 9350 East 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145. He will be laid to rest at the Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee, Oklahoma.