Clinton Ellsworth Johnson Jr.
Clinton Ellsworth Johnson Jr. was reunited with our Heavenly Father on Saturday, September
12th, at his home in Medford, Massachusetts.
Clinton was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, to Clinton E. Johnson Sr. and Florence O. Keller
on December 27, 1946. He was raised in the vibrant community of West Medford, where, in his
youth, he experienced many adventures (and misadventures), gained practical wisdom, and
forged lasting connections that stayed with him throughout his life.
He was a graduate of Medford’s Automotive program, and later took on working in the electrical
field. Clinton was known to be quite handy, although he did not necessarily purport himself to
be. He enjoyed fishing, finding good food, nights around a card table with good company, and,
most of all, music.
Clinton, also known as Wink, was an extraordinary self-taught pianist who loved the pulse of
original Rhythm and Blues and Funk music. Many days, his heart would lead him to the piano,
where he would play for hours and hours. Through music, he found many loyal friends
throughout the greater Boston music scene; where he gigged and jammed at many cornerstone
venues, including The Rack, The Middle East, The Cantab, and The Porch. No matter the
venue or occasion, the goal was the same: to get people out of their seats, liven things up, and
bring joy to the moment.
Clinton was a grounded man who had an appreciation for life’s simple blessings. He was
baptized as a believer at Saint John’s Baptist Church and deeply respected and revered God for
His amazing work in creating our world. His wonderment at the fact that we are all here on
God’s green earth reflected his respect for the amazing power of the Lord.
He was a dedicated father and doting grandfather. Clinton believed in family and that we are
better off working together. He was a man of integrity and loyalty, and someone who could
always bring levity to a moment with a joke and a laugh.
He was predeceased by his sister, Juanita M. Johnson.
He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Juanita Pearl Johnson; his granddaughter, Zailah
Olivia Johnson-Foster; his brothers, Eugene Johnson, Elliott Johnson, and David Johnson; his
nieces and nephews; his godson; his many cousins and neighbors; and the many friends he
made through music, work, and throughout his life.