Dennis Lee Johnson

Dr. Dennis Lee Johnson, 82, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, passed away on August 28, 2025 after battling multiple health challenges over the past several years. Born September 27, 1942 in Rockford, Illinois, Dennis “Denny” was the son of Stanley and Eva (Carlson) Johnson. Denny loved growing up with his sister and eight cousins in a large Swedish-American community. During his youth, he was active at Temple Baptist Church and was a talented trumpet player and competitive golfer, graduating from Rockford East High School in 1960.

He attended Bethel College in St. Paul Minnesota before earning his undergraduate degree in 1964 from the University of Arizona. He then entered the University of Illinois, where he completed his DDS, MS, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency. He was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society, and was named a Fellow of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Later he was appointed as a Board Examiner and served on the National Examination Committees of these organizations.

Denny was truly passionate about Oral Surgery, contributing to both academic and professional journals while regularly lecturing and providing continuing education in his field. But most of all, for 30 years, “Dr. J” loved taking care of people at Crystal Lake Oral Surgery in northern Illinois and Lake Geneva Oral Surgery in southern Wisconsin, always investing the time to know his patients beyond just a procedure.

In 1968, Denny married Barbara Johnson, the love of his life, and enjoyed nearly 57 years of marriage. They had two daughters, Stacy (Matthew) Petronzio of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Erika (Hayden) Fisher of Greenwood Village, Colorado. In addition to being an amazing father to his girls, he was Bapa to eight grandchildren who adored him, including a set of triplets and twins born in the same year. He leaves behind his wife, daughters, and grandchildren: Lexie Fisher, Brody Fisher, Johnny Fisher, and Charlie Fisher as well as Caroline Petronzio, Gabriella Petronzio, Sophia Petronzio, and Louisa Petronzio. He is also survived by his sister, Sheryl England of Jacksonville, Florida.

An endurance athlete throughout his adult life, Denny completed numerous marathons, triathlons, distance cycling, and cross-country skiing events, always ready for a new challenge. In 2000, he retired from Oral Surgery and relocated with Barb to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Upon moving to Florida, he was able to spend more time golfing, boating, and fishing—which he viewed as active ways to appreciate the natural world around him. He loved volunteering at the Players Championship, where he most enjoyed working at the driving range, feeding his attention to detail where he could closely watch the pros refine their strategy and form.

A man of deep faith, Denny found his church home at Palms Presbyterian, where he served as a Stephens Minister, participated in a small group Bible study, and prayed for members of his church family through the Prayer Links Ministry even when he was no longer able to be physically present. His medical mission work with Haiti Outreach Ministries was life-changing for both him and the recipients of his care, and when he saw an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, his response was always a resounding yes.

Wherever he was, Denny was happiest when he had his camera. A member of Beaches Photography Club, he had an eye for capturing beauty with his lens—with subjects ranging from people to wildlife to the stunning sunsets over the Intracoastal Waterway. More than just a pastime, he used his gifts as a way to serve his community and those he loved, taking pictures at church, for family and friends, and to enrich local publications and exhibits.

Of all the things he treasured on earth, spending time with his grandchildren was the pinnacle. From searching for sharks’ teeth and fishing off the bulkhead to captaining his boat and chauffeuring the golf cart, Denny cherished hosting his grandchildren in Ponte Vedra. His love for endurance sports came in handy during their early years, as his energy was boundless when it came to keeping up with the grandkids. He loved them more than anything. And he was their hero.

A consummate giver known for his generosity and concern, Denny took interest in every person he met. Humility, faith, and kindness guided his every step. His determination and resilience were legendary, and he will be missed beyond measure.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, December 29, at Palms Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, with a reception to follow at Marsh Landing Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palms Presbyterian Memorial Fund or the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, in memory of Dennis Johnson.