Reverend Calvin “Danny” Johnson, 75, peacefully entered into eternal rest on the morning of Monday, February 9, 2026, at Fort Sanders Medical Center, having fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

He was born on December 29, 1950, in Manhattan, New York, to Calvin Johnson and Elsie Wilford Blakeley. From humble beginnings, God’s hand was upon his life, shaping a servant-leader whose heart would be devoted to ministry, family, and the Kingdom of God.

Danny spent his childhood and received his primary education in San Bernardino, California, graduating from Pacific High School in 1969. With a deep hunger for spiritual growth and preparation, he continued his education at San Jose Christian College in San Jose, California, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pastoral Care, in 1992 graduating Summa Cum Laude. He was also elected two years straight to “Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities” in recognition of accomplishments as a student. After relocating to Johnson City, Tennessee, he further equipped himself for ministry by earning a Master of Divinity degree from Emmanuel School of Religion in Milligan, Tennessee, in 2001.

Rev. Johnson’s walk with Christ led him to fully embrace the call to preach the Gospel. He often testified that answering God’s call was the fulfillment of a lifelong desire to serve both God and His people. He was licensed to preach on August 23, 1992, at Philippi Missionary Baptist Church in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and ordained on May 1, 1994, at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in East Palo Alto, California by his former pastor, Rev. Robert L. Fairley. He became a member of Philippi Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Larry Williams, serving as an Associate Minister.

In 1994, Rev. Johnson began his pastoral ministry at Thankful Baptist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee, where he faithfully shepherded the flock for 21 years until his retirement in 2015. As pastor, it was his responsibility to represent the church and participate in the Bethel District Association. He served as Treasurer, Dean, Vice President, and President of the Congress Department and subsequently respectively as Vice Moderator and Moderator. He sought to advance the work of the historic body through structural updates having Regional Vice Presidential positions for all departments and the addition of the Deacon’s Department. In 2002, an invitation was extended to be the first African American to be a member of the Board of Trustees at Milligan College of Johnson City, TN. By the unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees of the North American School of Theology, he was appointed the interim president in 2013.

As a pastor after God’s own heart, he preached the Word with conviction, clarity, and compassion. His love for God’s Word, raising up ministers and his deep concern for souls were evident in every part of his ministry.

He was the Founder and President of CLIMA (Community Life International Missionary Agency), operating under the guiding mission: “Helping you get to where God wants you to be.” Through this ministry, he devoted many years to missionary work in Africa, specifically Uganda and Kenya, carrying the Light of Jesus Christ across borders and cultures, embodying the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20).

Rev. Johnson was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, faithful friend, and spiritual father to many. His life reflected Micah 6:8 — to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with his God. Though he has entered into his eternal reward, the seeds he planted in many lives will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin Johnson and Elsie Wilford Blakeley, and his brother, Donald Shans.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving and devoted wife of 43 years, Patricia Golden Johnson; two sons, Dr. T. Hasan Johnson of Fresno, California, and Garrett Johnson of Johnson City, Tennessee; one daughter, Dr. Imani Kai Johnson of Long Beach, California; two grandchildren, RaKhem Johnson and Tasaiah Johnson; a close friend who was more like a brother, Thomas Waller; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, fellow laborers in the Gospel, and countless friends.

However, the Johnson Family was never limited to bloodline, and the Lord brought others into the realm of family. Proudly, he considered the families of Rev. Dr. Anthony Jones, Sr., Rev. Marc Aples, and Rev. Steven L Cole as sons in life and ministry, all of whom helped to round out the family that God had given him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)