Alan Morse Johnson M.D.,  age 71,  passed away Tuesday September 10, 2024 at his home in Rutherfordton, North Carolina.

Alan, son of the late Anton Marius Johnson & Mary Louise Flagler, was born in Buffalo, New York, on June 14, 1953.  The family moved to Sudbury, Massachusetts in 1960, where Alan lived until attending Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He was a graduate of Tulane University's School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana (May 1980) and completed his training in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville (July, 1988).  Alan was recruited by Dr. Charles Keller to join Asheville Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons (Asheville Heart), where he practiced as a board certified CV Surgeon for 30 years.  During his years in Asheville, Alan served on the boards of Mountain Healthcare, Crescent PPO, and Mission Hospital.  He also served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff at Mission.  After retiring from Asheville Heart in September 2018, Alan joined the Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgery teams at Grand Strand Medical Center (Myrtle Beach, SC), Spartanburg Medical Center (Spartanburg, SC) and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center (Charlotte, NC).

Alan's career as a Surgeon was guided by the teachings of Christ.  He believed his great success in surgical outcomes were miracles through his faith.  He was a skilled and dedicated servant to his patients, providing compassionate care that often exceeded the physician-patient relationship.

Alan is best remembered by his love of the natural world, all creatures great and small.  He was passionate about the arts, a lover of music and literature, and was a careful craftsman.  Alan enjoyed fast cars & motorcycles, was a colorful storyteller, a steadfast mentor and dependable friend.  He was gentle and wise.  He touched the lives of many, and will be greatly missed.

Alan was preceded in death by his Daughter, Lauren.  He is survived by his wife, Myra and children Kara McHone (husband, Leon Grayfer) of Washington, DC;  Zachary McHone of Fletcher, NC; and God-Son, Zachary Gibson (wife Jenna, children, Declan and Arden) of Crestview, Florida.

Alan's family extended beyond the traditional definition.  He leaves behind his Shepherd's Creek Farm, where he was a Good Shepherd.

Please join us to celebrate the remarkable life of Alan M. Johnson, M.D., Claxton Farm 288 Upper Flat Creek Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787, Sunday November 17, 2024 1pm - 5pm (drop-in).

McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory