Willis Clayton Johnson

Willis Clayton Johnson, 78, of Grayson, Kentucky, went home to be with his Lord on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Kentucky. He was born January 12, 1948, in Grayson, Kentucky, a son of the late Clayton and Lahoma Ison Johnson. A man of deep faith, Willis was a steadfast Christian whose life reflected the love he carried for his family, his church, and his community. He joined the Oak Grove Church of Christ in 1974 and poured his heart into its ministries, including founding the prison outreach program that blessed countless lives. He was a lifelong educator with the Carter County School System, where his passion for teaching and learning touched many students and families. Willis loved coaching youth sports, officiating games as a KHSSAA referee and umpire, and investing in young people with patience, encouragement, and a guiding example. He served his community as a Grayson City Council member and was the first ABC officer in Grayson. Willis enjoyed church camps, history, travel, and the peacefulness of a quiet fishing trip. He was also an active member of the Grayson Kiwanis Club, generously giving his time to service projects and mentoring and supporting youth in the community. Willis is survived by his loving wife of nearly 53 years, Cherie Sylvester Johnson, whom he married on August 25, 1973; his two daughters, Christa Lynn (David) Hargraves of Grayson, KY, and Carey Beth (Kevin) Beaulieu of Beavercreek, OH; five grandsons who brought him immense joy, Logan Hargraves, Tyler Hargraves, Rylan Hargraves, Sean Clayton Beaulieu, and Aiden James Beaulieu; two brothers, Charles Johnson of Grayson, KY, and David (Linda) Johnson of Shelbyville, KY; brother-in-law, Jimmie Sylvester of Prestonsburg, KY; sister-in-law, Mary Beth (Jim) Hawkins many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and friends who mourn his passing. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Malone Funeral Home, with Donald Damron, minister. Burial will follow in East Carter County Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 11:00 AM until the service time on Thursday. Condolences can be sent to the Johnson family at www.malonefuneralhome.com.