Decades of dentistry and community involvement
Following his college years, Gary Johnson ‘71 has spent nearly half a century serving the Shelby Community, both professionally and civically. While at SHS, Gary played football and golf. He was also a member of the Bi-Phi-Chem and Astronomy Clubs.
After graduating Gary began a bachelor studies program at Bowling Green State University in chemistry and biology. He was accepted in 1974 to Case Western Reserve University Dental School after only three years of study at BGSU. He finished his degrees in chemistry and biology while concurrently starting his freshman year of dental school at Case Western. Gary graduated from CWRU with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology in 1974, as well as CWRU Dental School in 1978 and was offered positions in leading dental practices in Boston and suburban Cleveland before choosing to practice in Shelby.
He began practice in Shelby with Dr. Fred G. Meier in July 1978. During his senior year of dental school he was nominated and voted into the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. This society signifies and recognizes the top 10% of all dental students nationally the year of their graduation. Several years after graduation from dental school, he was nominated and elected to the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He was elected with nine other dentists from the state of Ohio. The society promotes the elevation of the standards and practices of the art and science of dentistry worldwide. Its purpose is to educate dental professionals with the latest techniques to improve the practice of dentistry.
He was a member in good standing of the American Dental Association as well as the Ohio Dental Association. He served two years as president of the Central Ohio Dental Society. In addition to dentistry skills, Gary was known for after-hours willingness to treat patients suffering excruciating pain, for no fee.
He also made time to involve himself in the community. Gary served on the Shelby City Schools Board of Education and the Shelby Foundation’s Board. He also coached YMCA basketball and soccer as well as managing several Little League teams over the years. When needed, Gary volunteered to serve as a referee and/or as an umpire.
Observes a fellow alumnus, “Gary sees Shelby as more than just a town. To him, it’s a lifestyle that he not only is proud to be a part of but relishes his role. He feels privileged to give back to the town’s people for everything they have given him.” Says Gary, “God bless each and every one of them.” He is married to Tammy Bailey Johnson ’77.