Ernest Lawrence “Larry” Johnson, age 78, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away Thursday, August 23, 2012, at his residence. Larry was born July 16, 1934, in Freer, Texas to parents W.C. and Mildred Johnson.
Larry was a graduate of Cushing High School in 1953 and a member of Bonita Methodist Church. Larry was a dairyman, equipment operator, owner of Larry Johnson Construction Co. and a beef cattle rancher of Flying J Ranch.
In 1942, Larry’s dad, W.C Johnson bought a dairy farm seven miles northwest of Nacogdoches. Arrangements were made to have the cattle from Freer, Texas, to be shipped to Nacogdoches by rail. Larry was eight years old when he helped drive the cattle. His feet could not reach the stirrups on the saddle. Along with his daddy and the farm hand, Natcho they drove the cattle from the rail yards through the streets of Nacogdoches to the Old Tyler Road and then to the farm. Larry loved telling the story about the cattle drive from Nacogdoches.
Larry’s personality was larger than life. He had a great sense of humor and he loved playing jokes on people. He loved his family and grandchildren. He would often take the grandkids to the pasture for a “wild ride” in his pick-up. Larry will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Jeanette Neill Johnson; sons, Stanley Neill Johnson and wife Rose, Richard Clarence Johnson and wife Wanda; daughter, Teresa Johnson Barrett and husband Alvis; sister, Sue Johnson Law and husband Doug; grandsons, David Johnson and wife Misty, Dustin Johnson and wife Angela; granddaughters, Dayna Johnson, Casey Johnson, Lindsey Watson and husband Matt, Kimberly Barrett, Michelle Rayford and husband Billy; great-grandchildren, Dusti, A.J., Alex, Logan, and Noah Johnson, Juan Hernandez, Ty Allen Coleman, and Victor Parker.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Fina Berry; brother, Billy Barfield; granddaughters, Kimberly Ann Johnson and Lesha Skelton Johnson.
Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm Sunday, August 26, 2012, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel with Bro. Sonny Scarborough officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
Memorial Donations may be offered to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75701 or Bonita Methodist Church, P.O Box 632701, Nacogdoches, Texas 75963
Visitation will begin at 1:00pm on Sunday prior to the service.
Condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
