Dr. David Pittman Johnson, born July 29, 1936 in Nashville, Tennessee, departed this life on March 8, 2004. He was the son of the late Calvin Leonard Johnson, PhD (Hon) and Charles Bernice Cagle of Montgomery. David received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, and went on to receive Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Social Work from Tulane University in New Orleans. He served as a clinical social worker and later, as Director of Outpatient Services at Montgomery Area Mental Health Center in the early 1970’s. He went on to become an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Alabama in the Master’s Program, where he taught from 1975 until 1990.

During his professional career he attained various professional certifications, including Diplomate Status in Clinical Social Work. Upon retirement he opened a small private practice in clinical social work and social work consultation. Most recently, he has worked as an outpatient rural therapist in Pickens County.

For over three decades David was the President and driving force behind the American College of Heraldry, a chartered, non-profit body established in 1972, to aid in the study and perpetuation of heraldry in the United States and abroad.

He was affiliated with numerous organizations, including: Knight Grand Cross of the Imperial Order of the Star of Honour of Ethiopia; Grand Officer of the Imperial Ethiopian Order of the Lion; Knight of The Military Order of the Vitez; and Knight of St. Michael of the Wing. David was instrumental in the reestablishment of the Malta Obedience of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, serving the Grand Bailiwick as Commander of the Commandery of Alabama and advisor to the Grand Bailiff, and rose to the rank of Knight Commander in that Obedience.

He was a Fellow of The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland; Honorary Member both of the Collegium Heraldicum Russiae (The Russian College of Arms) and of the Russian Heraldry Society; Founder Companion of the Most Honorable Legion of the Eagle; Member of the Military Society of the Wild Geese, Noble Officer Corps.

He was a founding director of the Society of Scottish Armigers, served as its Vice-Chairman, and was one of only three Fellows of the Society. He belonged to the Clan Johnston/e Society. David was the recipient of the 2003 Whiting Award presented by The International Society for Philosophical Enquiry to publicly acknowledge his significant cultural contributions through his work in the field of Heraldry. He was also recently selected as a Mentor for the ISPE. He was internationally known as an accomplished heraldic designer.

David served our country in various capacities with the National Guard, Air National Guard, and Army Reserve. He was a Colonel in the Alabama State Defense Force, and was recently appointed Chief of Staff, Headquarters.