Gerald "Jerrie" Clark Johnson

Gerald "Jerrie" Clark Johnson, aged 92, of Simpsonville, Kentucky, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024. He was born on January 10, 1932, in Louisville, Kentucky to Raymond and Genevieve (West) Johnson. 

Jerrie married his sweetheart, Rosemary Metcalf, in a storm of passion that would continue to accompany them through their 60 years of marriage. The two would go on to parent five children and a menagerie of animals that could fill a small zoo. Jerrie and Rosemary settled in Reservoir Park, Crescent Hill, Louisville for almost 30 years before enjoying a considerable respite in Florida and eventually making their way back to the open arms of Louisville.

As a skilled master mechanic, Jerrie took pride in revitalizing old engines with new life. He shared his skill with his three sons, all of whom also became mechanics. Professionally, he loaned his talents to many companies, including Brandeis, Wayne Supply, Scarborough, and Cochran Construction. 

Jerrie had a penchant for history and took pleasure in spinning prolific stories for anyone who would listen. He was known for his remarkable sense of humor that could brighten any room he entered. And boy could he make an entrance. With his sweeping hair, wide grin, and feathered Stetson, it was widely believed that Jerrie served as inspiration for Donna Summers’s “Hot Stuff.” 

Jerrie cherished spending time with his friends and family. He was an enthusiast of classic movies, his favorite of which was "The Wizard of Oz." He also enjoyed the offerings of KET, particularly educational and historical documentaries, British dramas and comedies, and anything relating to the macabre. Jerrie also had a deep passion for the outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman and absolutely adored a day at the beach. As a music enthusiast, he loved to sing and dance and held a vast collection of music close to his heart with a particular fondness for rock and roll.

Jerrie, Dad, Pappaw, you will be greatly missed. We will miss your stories, your whistling through your two front teeth, and your constant “misplacement” of your hearing aids. But mostly we will miss your gorgeous smile, your infectious joy, and your unconditional love. “A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.” - L. Frank Baum. We’ve been so blessed to have you in our lives for all these years and will carry you in our hearts forever.

Jerrie is preceded in death by his beloved spouse, Rosemary S Johnson; his sons, David C Johnson and Scott M Johnson; his brother, Stephan R Johnson; and his parents Raymond C Johnson and Genevieve Ann Johnson. 

He is survived by his loving children Craig A Johnson, Robin S Johnson, Michele R Johnson; twelve grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. 

Visitation hours will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions located at 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville KY 40243. The Funeral Service is scheduled for 10:00 am on Wednesday at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions with burial to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions in Jerrie’s memory be directed to Kentucky Educational Television. 

To offer condolences or share special memories of Jerrie with his family, please visit the guestbook provided below.