Larry Richard Johnson

GILMER " Funeral services for Larry Richard Johnson, 65, of Big Sandy will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 22, 2010, at Croley Funeral Home Chapel, Gilmer, with Ron Bell and Leman Keel officiating. Interment will be in Hoover Cemetery in Upshur County. Arrangements are under the direction of Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer. Mr. Johnson went to be with his maker on Thursday, August 19, 2010, at his residence. Mr. Johnson was born July 6, 1945 in Gilmer, Texas to Doc and Lela Killian Johnson. He was a Manager of a Heavy Equipment Company, a veteran of the U.S. Army serving three years in Vietnam, awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, and was a Deacon of the Big Sandy Church of Christ. Mr. Johnson was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors, loved to travel, enjoyed working on his farm and with his hands, and was quick to laugh, talk, and joke. He is survived by his wife: Billie Thomas Johnson of 46 years; daughter and son-in-law: Kelly and Kevin Sampson; son and daughter-in-law: Steven and Hayley Johnson; Loving "Papa" to grandchildren: Jared and Justin Jones; Autumn, Lyndsey and Haden Johnson; Spencer Sampson; sisters: Wanda Lord and Sarah Todd; brother: James Johnson. Pallbearers will be his nephews. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, August 21, 2010 at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.