Paul H. Johnson

Paul H. Johnson — adored husband, beloved family patriarch and prominent Birmingham builder/real estate developer — met his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ the morning of Thursday, November 18, 2021 at the age of 93. Born August 4,1928 in Detroit, Paul graduated from Cass Technical High School with highest honors in 1946 and studied architecture at the University of Michigan for three years before launching his own construction business in the early 1950s. Paul was the son of Lawrence and Daisy Edna (Cox) Johnson who moved to Michigan from Kentucky when Henry Ford was offering workers $5 a day. Family life was centered around the church in Highland Park, where Paul came to faith in Christ as a young boy. Highland Park Baptist Church, currently located in Southfield Michigan, has always had a strong focus on worldwide missions which was formative in Paul’s life, leading him to make missions and evangelism a priority. As a successful young businessman, his biblical worldview influenced every aspect of Paul’s life. As his business Paul H. Johnson, Inc. grew, Paul remained faithful in his service to the Lord, making his faith the foundation for his work. As a builder, he believed the Bible was his blueprint for life. Applying Christian principles to his business gave him a platform to share his faith both locally and internationally. He was privileged to serve and chair many boards including: • CBMC (Christian Business Men's Committee) • Highland Park Baptist Church • Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference • Moody Bible Institute • Walk Thru the Bible His guidance, influence, and generosity impacted the lives of an untold number of ministries and individuals. Starting with home remodeling, his business steadily grew into commercial/industrial construction and real estate development and management. Over the years, Paul H. Johnson, Inc. constructed numerous buildings including churches, schools, banks, post offices, restaurants, shopping centers, ice rinks, and more. These projects gave him experience and a reputation which enabled him to develop properties of his own. He built and managed several apartment complexes in the greater Detroit area including the award winning Merrillwood Building in downtown Birmingham which became the new home for PHJ, Inc. Paul married Marilyn Glines in 1952. They had three children and 55 years of marriage before Marilyn preceded him in death in 2007. He is survived by his wife of 12 years and lifetime family friend, Pamela (Callam); his three children, Colleen (Drew) Wolford, Kevin (Cheryle) Johnson, and Karen (Scott, dec.) Melby; 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren (and one on the way) who knew him as Papa; sister Linda (Dale) Hebbard, sister-in-law Ginny (Frank) Leeds, brother-in-law Richard Callam; and 12 beloved nieces and nephews. Many will remember Paul’s wisdom and humor (see papajokes.com), but his legacy is his grateful spirit and generous heart. He was a godly man who, until the day he died, prayed with Pam every night for over 150 people by name, caring deeply for the needs of those he loved. Paul prayed passionately that many would come to know the love of Christ. The plumb line of Paul’s life was the verse that hung behind his desk, Mark 8:36 “...what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Arrangements for Paul Johnson Viewing and visitation Tues., Nov. 23, 1-6 pm RG & GR Harris Funeral Homes 15451 Farmington Rd. Livonia, MI 48154 734/422-6720 Private family interment Celebration of Life Service, Friday, Dec. 3, 11:00 am (Visitation 9:30 am) Highland Park Baptist Church 28600 Lahser Rd. Southfield, MI 48034 248/357-5464 The Funeral Service will be live streamed. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference 4759 Lake Harbor Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441. In memory of Paul. Paul wrote a book that was intended just for his grandchildren but has been enjoyed by many more. If you would like to know more about the life of Paul H. Johnson, you can read his autobiography, My Cup Runneth Over: The Story of Paul H. Johnson, A Very Grateful Man. Please share a memory of Paul on his tribute wall.