Dr. H. Doyle Johnson

Dr. H. Doyle Johnson, a beloved husband and Marietta veterinarian, passed away on May 4, 2024, at the age of 87. He was born on October 25, 1936, in Marietta, Georgia, to loving parents, Harold & Ruth Johnson. Dr. Doyle's journey was marked by unwavering dedication to small animal medicine. He pursed his DVM at the University of Georgia, where he applied his medical skills for both pets and owners. He opened Johnson Animal Clinic 1966 and served all of Cobb County for almost 50 years. He also served in the Air Force Veterinary Corps protecting our country. He enjoyed golf for many years. He is survived by three sons and spouses: Billy and Chris Johnson, Phil and Tina Johnson, and Tom and Crystal Johnson. He has five grandchildren: Nathan, Lindsay, Jordan, Casey, and Raleigh. He has two great-grandchildren named Grey and Maddox He is also survived by three stepchildren and spouses: Kevin and Kim Smelser, David Smelser, and Judy Smelser. He has six step-grandchildren: Andrew, Bradley, Jacob, Jarod, Ben, and Luke. He is predeceased by Sarah Alley Johnson, loving first wife, and Alma Smelser Johnson, loving second wife, and his brother Lanier Johnson. Doyle attended Robert L. Osborne High School where he graduated at the top of his class. Learning and leadership came easy to "Hot Rod" where he was Class President with membership in many clubs. Around this time he met Sarah Alley who attended Marietta High. They dated as Doyle left for UGA but eventually married and settled in Athens, Georgia, in 1956. Billy was born with Phil and Tom to follow over the next few years. Doyle graduated and did a two-year stint in the Air Force Veterinary Corps as Scott AFB in Illinois. They came back to Marietta in 1964 with Doyle being the third small animal vet in Cobb County. Doyle and family eventually settled in East Cobb in 1970 and that remains home to this day. The family traveled when possible, including spending summer vacations at Jekyll Island, Georgia. Doyle started playing golf in the 1980s and continued to play for three decades. Health concerns started to catch up with both Sarah and Doyle in the 1990s, with Sarah succumbing to cancer in 2002. A couple of years went by as Doyle reconnected with Alma Smelser, whose husband Lloyd had also passed away. Determined not to be alone they fell in love and were married in 2004. They enjoyed each other for many years until Alma's health declined with her passing in 2019. Doyle stayed strong until his passing on May 4th. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Mayes Ward Dobbins Historic Marietta Chapel. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 9, and from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service. The graveside committal service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery following the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that a donation be made to American Cancer Society.

Dr. H. Doyle Johnson

October 25, 1936 - May 4, 2024