Wayne P. Johnson

Wayne Philip Johnson, 67 of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, went home to glory on May 16, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Gail L. Johnson, the love of his life for more than thirty years.

Wayne was passionate about God, his family and serving others. He truly lived out what Jesus says was the greatest commandment: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” [Matthew 22:37-40]

Born in Providence on February 4, 1951 to Martha I. and the late Clifford Whitney Johnson, Wayne graduated from Cranston West High School before going on Roger Williams University, graduating with a degree in history.  Wayne then worked alongside his father, Clifford Whitney Johnson, Sr. and his brother, Clifford Jr. in the family dairy business. He went on to open the Johnson Agency with offices in Woonsocket and Providence.

Wayne worked tirelessly alongside his wife Gail in the ministry they founded, In His Image Outreach Ministries. Begun in a storefront in North Kingstown in 1996, this ministry now has 3 campuses in Rhode Island and international work in Liberia and Israel. In His Image Outreach Ministries reaches out with the tangible love of Jesus Christ through distribution of food, clothing, school supplies, medical supplies, outreach events that included puppet theatre, dance, popcorn, cotton candy, sno-cones, music and toys, ministry in nursing homes, a training center in the arts reaching inner-city youth, and the Rhode Island House of Prayer.

Wayne married the love of his life, Gail and they joyously share more than 30 years together. They raised two children together, giving them a most happy home.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail, son David Clifford Johnson of East Greenwich, step-daughter Courtney Hoyle and son-in-law Michael Hoyle of Providence, R.I.,  grandchildren Judah, Simon and Nico, mother Martha I. Johnson, brother Clifford , nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Clifford Whitney Johnson, Sr.

As someone who knew him well, Wayne loved his wife as Christ loved the church, and gave his life for her. So as all grand eagles do he broke away the nest causing her to fly alone. But not alone, for he is watching and rejoicing over her, cheering her from heaven. For it is harvest time!

Funeral will be on Tuesday, May 22 ^nd at 11AM at Glenwood Cemetery, 316 Cedar Avenue, East Greenwich, R.I.  Calling hours:  Monday, May 21 ^st 6-8PM at the Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St., East Greenwich.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne’s name may be made to In His Image Outreach Ministries, by PayPal at inhisimageoutreach.org or PO Box 2034, East Greenwich, RI 02818