Richard Springer Johns, Jr.

Richard “Rick” Springer Johns, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was born on June 18, 1947, at Howard Air Force Base in Panama City, Panama. The son of Richard and Norma Johns.

Rick grew up in a loving military family with his siblings — Kathy, Jackie, and Randy — moving often around the world as his father served in the Air Force. From Holland to Monterey, California, his siblings were his closest friends and companions, a bond that remained strong throughout his life.

Rick served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in São Paulo, Brazil, an experience that strengthened his faith and love for service. Upon returning home, he attended Brigham Young University and later earned his Doctorate of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry.

On June 8, 1978, Rick married his eternal companion, Gayle Goodfellow, in the Salt Lake City Utah Temple. Together, they built a life centered on faith, love and service. Rick found great joy in his career as an optometrist, where his kindness and care for others were evident to every patient he met.

He was dedicated and exact in all that he did—whether in his professional life, his church callings or his service to others. Rick’s faith anchored him through many trials, including a long recovery from Guillain-Barré Syndrome in 2013. Despite months in the hospital relearning how to walk and care for himself, Rick’s determination and optimism never wavered. Later, after breaking his hip, he once again faced rehabilitation with courage and humor. Even as he battled Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease in his final years, he met each day with grace and resilience.

Rick’s life was defined by service and compassion. Always attentive to the needs of others, he had a unique gift for finding light and laughter even in difficulty. His warm smile, firm handshake, and ready embrace made everyone feel valued and loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gayle; his children Holly (Rich) Day, Shelly (Angelo) Vardakis, and Matt (Mallorie) Johns; and his cherished grandchildren Connor Vardakis, Landon Day, Mia Vardakis, Tessa Day, Cohen Day, Henry Johns, Goldie Johns, and Birdie Johns. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Norma Johns, and his brother Randy.

Rick will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful disciple, and true friend. His legacy of faith, courage, and cheerful service continues in the lives of those he loved.

A viewing will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Woodland Hills Ward, 640 South 750 East, Bountiful, Utah with a short viewing that morning from 9:45am - 10:45am prior to services.