Captain Larry Joe Johnson

The resounding voice of Larry Joe Johnson, the oldest of three children, echoed throughout the house of his parents, Rev. Charlie Joe and Daisy Marie Johnson singing, "We are soldiers, in the army, we have to fight, although we have to cry, we've got to hold up the blood-stained banner, we've got to hold it up until we die."

Larry's march as a soldier for the Lord began on November 28, 1951, in Centerville, Tx. Close relatives and friends have said that he probably entered this world singing because of his heart for being a vocalist. As a young soldier who followed in the footsteps of his parents, Larry was a mighty warrior in the army of the Lord. He was an enthusiastic member of the Youth Department of Ebenezer Baptist Church and the New Home District Association. He served as a lead vocalist in the choir and received many requests to sing solos during the family's quartet group's (Spiritual Six) engagements. He held offices in the church such as junior deacon, secretary, president, Sunday School, and Baptist Training Union Teacher. Larry often served as a designee to represent Ebenezer at the Congress of Churches and the Federation of Choirs. Although Larry attended church as he transitioned from state to state and country to country, his membership remains at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

In the Johnson home, education was a priority. His basic training began at Frederick Douglass School, where he attended grades one through eight. Larry was a gifted scholar who excelled in academics and was a skilled athlete. He played basketball and participated on the Academic League team. During this era, the Centerville Independent School District integrated. Larry transferred to Centerville High School voluntarily, where he was an exceptionally skilled football and basketball player on the varsity teams, receiving 1st Team All District honors. Likewise, Larry maintained high averages in his academic subjects. He was privileged with various "C Awards" in reading and mathematics. Larry was a respected and admired member of the student body at both Douglass and Centerville High Schools. Larry graduated from Centerville High School in 1970.

Larry pursued a higher-level degree at Sam Houston State University. Before graduating with a bachelor's degree, Larry elected to join the United States Army where he completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master's Degree in Counseling at Texas A & M University in Killeen, Texas. Larry was the first male in his immediate family to earn a college degree paving the yearning for his siblings to follow in his footsteps.

Larry married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann Washington. They were blessed with three children: Khobi, Marlon and Larinae. In the service, the wife plays an integral part. He often said that because of "Punkin's" outgoing personality, it aided his ability to excel in his military career.

While serving as a volunteer in God's army, Larry's enlisted community work deserves recognition. As a young child, Larry's passion was helping others. He respected and visited the elderly citizens providing a helping hand when needed. Supporting community churches was an extension of this service. Larry attended other churches; singing selections to support whatever occasion was hosted. His speaking abilities were demonstrated during holidays at the area churches Easter and Christmas programs. Even until his demise, Larry was still reaching out to the unfortunate. During the pandemic, Larry would collect carloads of foods and non-perishable items when visiting the metroplex. He, along with his buddies, cheerfully distributed food to those in need in the city where he resided.

Larry's military education includes completion of the Officer Candidate School, the Military Intelligence Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Electronic Warfare Course, and the Combined Arms and Services Staff School.

Captain Johnson's duty positions have included serving as an armor battalion intelligence officer, Chief of OPSEC Management and Analysis, and company executive officer while at Ft. Hood, Texas. His most recent assignment prior to commanding B Company was as S-4 for the 165th Military Intelligence Battalion.

His last duty assignment and major command's place of entry was Ft. Mead, Maryland and the separation station was Ft. Benning Georgia. His primary specialty title was Electronic Warfare and Signal Intelligence Non-Morse Interceptor.

Larry's service commendations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon, Rifle M16 Expert Qualification Badge, and the Hand Grenade Expert Qualification Badge.

Larry retired from the army July 1993, He continued to serve the US military as a civilian counselor for the Air Force for numerous years and relished a second retirement.

Although Larry's adult background was predominately military, he assimilated well into civilian life after two retirements. Larry was an avid family man. His motto was Family First. He lovingly catered to his children. He adored his seven grandchildren and would light up when they called him Pa Pa. His sister and brother were special to him as well.

Larry was a loyal friend to many and knew no strangers. He enjoyed bowling, playing dominoes, cards and traveling with the crew. Many of Larry's Fridays were spent at the Officer's Club singing on Karaoke night.

His most prized hobby was cooking. Larry loved to cook and would post his dishes on Facebook and send the family photos bragging of his culinary accomplishments. Just two months ago his daughter dubbed him "Chef HomeBoy R dee".

He was preceded in death by his wife of thirty-four years, Patricia Ann Johnson; his father, Rev. Charlie Joe Johnson; his mother, Daisy M. Johnson; and brother, Warren David Johnson.

Larry (Pokey) will truly be missed by those he leaves to cherish his memory, daughter: Larinae Porter (Jeremy); two sons, Khobi Johnson (Colleen) and Marlon Johnson (Melanie); seven grandchildren, D' Von Johnson-Albrecht, Imani Messina, Zach Porter, Jasmine Porter, Kendall Johnson, Carter Johnson, Patrick Johnson and Malia & Major Johnson; sister, Carolyn Thompson; brother, Ricky Frederick Shaw (Irma); two nieces Keisha & Chandra; three nephews, LeQuinn, Adriel, Tristan and numerous other family members, as well as in-laws.

Homegoing services for Larry will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.  Interment will follow in Centerville Community Cemetery, Centerville, Texas. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.