Paul Michael Johnson

Paul Michael Johnson, known to many as Mike or Uncle Mike, passed away on March 10, 2026, at the age of 87 in Lexington, Kentucky. Born on January 24, 1939, in Wilmington, Ohio, Mike lived a life defined by service, curiosity, and a genuine love for the people around him.

He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1958 and enlisted in the US Army that same year, serving honorably until his discharge in 1961. On June 20, 1966, he married the love of his life, Priscilla Jane Johnson, in Sparta, North Carolina. Mike built a long and dedicated career as a salesman for Rotary Forms Press in Hillsboro, Ohio, where he held many positions over 45 years and earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Those who knew Mike knew a man of quick wit, deep compassion, and tireless devotion to his community. He served in nearly every capacity within the many organizations he joined, including First United Methodist Church, Boy Scout Troops 226 and 171, the Hillsboro Jaycees, the Hillsboro Lions Club, the Hillsboro Leo Club, the Bike-A-Thon for Cancer, 4-H, and as an aide to the Hillsboro High School Marching Band. He gave everything he had and made lifelong friends everywhere he went.

Mike possessed a creative spirit and an artist’s eye. He longed to be a designer or graphic artist, and that passion found its way into everything he touched. His camera was a constant companion, capturing moments with care. He built models, launched rockets, rode bicycles, and immersed himself in science fiction novels and films with an enthusiasm that never faded. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank “Scooch” and Laurel Virginia Johnson; his wife, Priscilla Jane Johnson; his sons, Carl Christopher Johnson and William Edwin Johnson; his sister, Karen “Suzie” Ferrell; and his nephew, Mark Ferrell. He is survived by his son, Robert “Bob” Johnson and his wife Amy; his brother, Frank “Johnny” Johnson and his wife Donna; his sister, Anita “Ginnie” Graff and her husband John; his nephews, Brian Ferrell, Steve Ferrell, Jim Ferrell, Keith Graff, and Kevin Graff; and his nieces, Kelly Boswell, Kim Wightman, Stephanie Woodruff, and Ginnie Pittman.