Pastor Willard Kenneth Johnson

Pastor Willard Kenneth Johnson, 78, passed away after an extended illness on Friday July 14, 2017. He was born in Bath County on December 18, 1938 to the late John and Pearl Pergrem Johnson. Pastor Johnson was a graduate of Owingsville High School in 1956 and the Kentucky Christian College. During his lifetime he served as a Deputy Jailer in Bath County and he was a Security Guard for AO Smith. His lifelong mission was to spread the good word. He pastored churches all across Eastern Kentucky and also in Grundy, Virginia, but in the later years of his life he was the Pastor of the Moore's Ferry Christian Church in Salt Lick. Among his greatest works in the name of the Lord was the Nearer My God To Thee broadcast on WMST which he did for over 33 years every Sunday morning beginning in August of 1981. Regardless of church of affiliation, Pastor Johnson patronized all of Bath County's churches. Rarely was there a revival, benefit or a Bible School that Pastor Johnson didn't show up to and offer a helping hand. He was much beloved by his community, which is perhaps a reflection of the love he poured into it.  

He leaves to cherish his memory his longtime companion and friend Barbara Clark; two nephews Steve (Ann Marie) Johnson of Naperville, Illinois and Mark (Anne) Johnson of Austin, TX; one niece Janene (Andy) VanBebber of Pittsfield, Illinios; a special cousin Ron Pergrem of Mt. Sterling; several great nephews and nieces and special friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one brother Arthur Johnson.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Monday at the Richardson Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be conducted Tuesday at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Lowell Rice officiating.

Interment will be at Kendall Springs Cemetery.

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