James “Earl” Johnson

James “Earl” Johnson, 94, a Purple Heart recipient, passed away on Tuesday July 7, 2018 “Purple Heart Day”

Earl was a member of 20th Street Baptist Church and a lifetime member of the D.A.V.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having entered into the US Army at the age of 17. He served in the South Pacific where in addition to the Purple Heart, he earned Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, America Theater Ribbon, and World War II Victory Medal.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents William R. Johnson and Lizzie Perry Johnson and siblings Sylvia Harmon and Cova Johnson.

He is survived by his wife Muriel Jones Johnson; four children: Ron Johnson (Carol), Danny Johnson, Teresa Smith (Willie), and Lisa Baxter; his sister Wanda Wooten; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Barbara Johnson; as well as several nieces, nephews, family and friends.

The funeral service was held Friday, August 10, at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Steeley and Rev. Levi Skeen officiating. Entombment followed at the Pine Hill Cemetery.

Messages may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com.

Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.