Dr. Albin W. Johnson (February 19, 1933 – 2026) was a devoted physician, lifelong learner, and faithful servant whose career and character left a lasting impact on his patients, colleagues, and community.
Born in Chicago and raised in Indiana and Florida, Al attended Duke University, where he excelled academically and in campus leadership before entering Duke Medical School through its early admission program. After graduating in 1957, he completed a pediatric internship at St. Louis Children's Hospital and served two years as a medical officer in the U.S. Air Force in Tokyo, Japan, where he married Barbara Omura. They had two daughters, Hilery and Valerie.
Returning to Duke, Al completed his residency in ophthalmology before establishing a private practice in Raleigh in 1965. Over a distinguished 35-year career, he served as Supervising Ophthalmologist for the North Carolina Commission for the Blind, led the Ophthalmology Department at Rex Hospital, served as President of the Rex Hospital Medical Staff, and held leadership roles in both the Wake County Medical Society, including serving as secretary and then president in 1979, and the North Carolina Medical Society. He retired in 2000 after decades of compassionate care for patients from all walks of life.
Retirement only fueled his passion for learning. He studied computer technology at Wake Technical Community College, later taking mathematics and physics courses at NC State University, where his curiosity and academic excellence earned admiration from both professors and classmates.
In 1986, Al married Karen Kalmar, whom he called "the love of my life." Together they shared a deep faith at First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh and a passion for travel, exploring destinations throughout North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Japan while celebrating their family heritage.
Al will be remembered as a caring physician, devoted husband and father, lifelong student, and man of unwavering faith. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Karen; his daughters, Hilery and Valerie; his grandson, Kala Copeland; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
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