Hobart Clay Johnson: Leaves Lasting Gift to the University of Pikeville

Pike County native Hobart Clay Johnson honored the University of Pikeville (UPIKE) with a lasting gift and leaves a legacy. Hobart, who passed away in February, established a trust to provide valuable scholarship opportunities for UPIKE students upon his death. As a member of UPIKE's David Blythe Legacy Society, which honors individuals who have chosen to include UPIKE in their estate plan, this gift will ensure that Hobart's legacy is maintained for future generations.

Hobart, who was a lifelong resident of Pike County, graduated from Virgie High School and Eastern Kentucky University. He then received his law degree from the University of Louisville School of Law.

Unlike many eager and talented young professionals, after graduating from law school, Hobart returned to his home of Pike County to begin his practice. He started his career working with real estate titles and assisting the county attorney and defending moonshiners by federal court appointment. It wasn't long before Hobart's skills were noticed by his business partner, Henry Stratton.

Together, Henry and Hobart's firm made its name as one of the leading practices in Kentucky for workers' compensation. During this time, Hobart also served as general counsel and director for Citizens Bank of Pikeville.

Along with his professional achievements, Hobart was an advocate for the community and the region, serving as a board member with the Pike County Board of Education, East Kentucky Broadcasting and Pikeville Medical Center. In addition, Hobart owned and operated several small mines and processing facilities in Pike, Floyd and Letcher counties, which served as economic drivers for the region.

Friends, family and longtime colleagues remember Hobart for his love of family, unmatched work ethic and love for eastern Kentucky.

"Hobart could have lived any place he wanted," remembers Hobart's stepson, Bob Bell. "But he chose to live 300 feet from where he was raised. He never left his roots."

To learn more about how you can create a legacy at UPIKE, contact a Planned Giving Officer at (606) 218-5230 or plannedgiving@upike.edu.