Raymond Lee Johnson

Versailles, KY Raymond L. Johnson of Versailles, passed away on April 18th after a brief illness. Ray worked as a clinical social worker at the University of Kentucky until his illness prevented him from doing so. As a young man, Ray attended seminary to become a priest but decided to switch to social work and received a masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He earned his BA at Youngstown University and pursued post-graduate studies at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Early in his career, Ray was Superintendent of the Multi-County Juvenile Attention Center in Canton, Ohio. While there, he created and developed locally based continuum of care programs for juveniles, which are still running today. He also served as a national consultant for states and counties in the area of innovative juvenile justice programs. He worked as an associate professor of social work at Youngstown University, Kent State University, College of Wooster, Case-Western Reserve University, and Walsh College. He was appointed to be division director of Childrens Residential Services by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Later in his career, he held multiple positions in the managed care industry, including Vice President of Eastern Operations for MCC Behavioral Care in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Vice President of Clinical Services for Integra (and Apogee) Company in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and Director of Health Plan Services for United Behavioral Health in Minnetonka, Minnesota. He also held the posts of Vice President of Behavioral Health Services for APS Healthcare in Silver Spring, Maryland, Vice President of After Hours Solutions for Magellan Behavioral Health in Columbia, Maryland, and Vice President of Clinical at Northern Arizona Regional Behavioral Health Authority, a nonprofit in Flagstaff, Arizona. He was a licensed social worker in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Arizona, and Delaware. Ray was dedicated to his career, always arriving before anyone else and often the last to leave. A friend and former colleague Robert Ciaverelli, M.D. said Raymond was the ultimate manager and teacher. There are many executives and medical directors who were grateful to be under his tutelage. Raymond Johnson was born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1943 and was a lifelong Cleveland Sports fan. After suffering a heart attack in his 50s, Ray jokingly said he had asked God not to take him until a Cleveland team won a national Championship. He lived to see the Cavaliers beat Golden State for the title last fall. As an elementary school student, Ray once had a substitute teacher who called him Johnson while taking attendance. Refusing to answer, Ray politely said, You can call me Ray, or you can call me Ray J. but please dont call me Johnson.' That exchange was made famous by his classmate, the comedian Bill Saluga, who performed it on national television. Raymond is survived by his wife Barbara, his children Judy Johnson of Washington, D.C., Lora Johnson and Erin Vance (Greg) of Ohio, and three grandchildren, Leeann, Drue, and Megan. He also leaves behind a sister Karen Matune (Tom) of Ohio, a brother Ron Johnson (Diane) of Georgia and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John Adam Johnson and Irene Smith Johnson and his brother Jack Johnson (Dorothy) of Ohio. Funeral Information At Mr. Johnsons request, no services are planned.