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Clinton Ellsworth Johnson Jr. was reunited with our Heavenly Father on Saturday, September 12, at his home in Medford.
Clinton was born in Woburn, to Clinton E. Johnson Sr. and Florence O. Keller on December 27, 1946. He was raised in the vibrant community of West Medford, where, in his youth, he experienced many adventures (and misadventures), gained practical wisdom, and forged lasting connections that stayed with him throughout his life.
He was a graduate of Medford’s Automotive program and later took on working in the electrical field. Clinton was known to be quite handy, although he did not necessarily purport himself to be. He enjoyed fishing, finding good food, nights around a card table with good company, and, most of all, music.
Clinton, also known as Wink, was an extraordinary self-taught pianist who loved the pulse of original rhythm and blues and funk music. Many days, his heart would lead him to the piano, where he would play for hours and hours. Through music, he found many loyal friends throughout the greater Boston music scene; where he gigged and jammed at many cornerstone venues, including The Rack, the Middle East, The Cantab, and The Porch. No matter the venue or occasion, the goal was the same: to get people out of their seats, liven things up, and bring joy to the moment.
Clinton was a grounded man who had an appreciation for life’s simple blessings. He was baptized as a believer at Saint John’s Baptist Church and deeply respected and revered God for His amazing work in creating our world. His wonderment at the fact that we are all here on God’s green earth reflected his respect for the amazing power of the Lord.
He was a dedicated father and doting grandfather. Clinton believed in family and that we are better off working together. He was a man of integrity and loyalty, and someone who could always bring levity to a moment with a joke and a laugh.
He was predeceased by his sister, Juanita M. Johnson.
He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Juanita Pearl Johnson; his granddaughter, Zailah Olivia Johnson-Foster; his brothers, Eugene Johnson, Elliott Johnson, and David Johnson; his nieces and nephews; his godson; his many cousins and neighbors; and the many friends he made through music, work, and throughout his life.
Arrangements by Rogers Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
