Larry Johnson
1952 ~ 2018
Date of death: October 24, 2018
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Johnson family. Larry's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall their be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. Larry Joe Johnson.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Larry Joe Johnson, 65, was born November 28, 1952 in Van Buren, Arkansas to the late Joe and Doris Hutchison-Johnson. He accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at an early age. Larry received his public education in Northern Chicago, Illinois. He was dedicated to community service and youth programs, and had a strong background in sports, education, and business. While a student at North Chicago High School, Larry participated in football, baseball, weightlifting, and wrestling. He received a scholarship to Northern Illinois University for wrestling and went on to achieve the Illinois College Champion Title, Conference Champion, and N.C.A.A. He graduated with a Bachelors in Physical Education, taught at North Chicago High School, and was a wrestling and football coach before joining then YMCA professional ranks. Larry was also the wrestling coach at Southside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas. In 1993 he was inducted into the Northern Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame. Larry was a very well-loved family-oriented man. He was quiet, caring, kind-hearted and he also loved children. He was the kind of person that others wished they had in their lives.
Larry leaves to cherish his loving memory, companion, Gwynette Cox of Fort Smith, AR; son, Hope Renard Johnson of North Chicago, Ill; five grandchildren, Christopher, Westley, Cameron, Divina, and Elliot Johnson all of North Chicago, Ill; two brothers, Johnny Johnson of Waukegan, Ill and Donald Johnson of Fort Smith, AR; sister, Gerri Grandberry of Waukegan, Ill and a host of family and friends.
Celebration of life memorial service will be held, Thursday, November 8, 2018, 11:00am at Rowell-Parish Mortuary, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Committal service and final resting place will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
