David Joseph Johnson was born in Western North Carolina in the town of Robbinsville on February 22, 1943. After high school, David attended Reinhardt College and LaGrange College and did his graduate work at the University of Alabama. David spent his career in the Department of Language and Literature at Columbus State University, retiring as Professor Emeritus in 1999. He loved teaching, writing, and giving public lectures. He continued to write every morning until a few days before his death on February 2, 2025.David had the opportunity to go Broadloaf and Yadoo Artist Colonies, and Oxford University one summer. He also attended the University of Kent while living in England for a year. He taught at a private school in Japan one summer enjoying the non-touristy culture.

After retirement, David and Katherine built their home in Pine Mountain Valley, Georgia. He loved gardening and hand-crafted treasures. He was very active in the restoration of the historic 1848 Zion Episcopal Church in Talbotton, Georgia.

This information is taken from his obituary.