EDWARD JOHNSON

Mr. Edward Johnson was the first born to James Edward Johnson and Gerlean Harris Johnson on September 28, 1962, in Dothan, Alabama.

Also, known “Ed,” by his family, he learned the importance of hard work (growing up with his father being paralyzed there were many hats to be worn by him). He was taught to take care of the many animals (cows, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks) that were on the family property. His dad used to say, “An idle mind was the devil’s workshop.” There was always a chore to be done after school. If it was nothing but feed the animals, pick something from the garden that was planted by his mother and older sister Barbara, or mow the grass, but there always something to do.

Ed enjoyed playing with his siblings: Barbara, Christina and Denise. Often going on a family weekend excursion to the area his parents grew up; fishing at various creeks or going to get ice cream and hamburgers from McDonald’s. Ed’s father was his best friend.

He had to learn responsibility at an early age, Ed was labeled as always “being too serious.” He was one that took what you entrusted him to heart and tried to accomplish it.

Ed attended Ashford Elementary, Ashford, AL for first grade and later, went to Wicksburg High School, Newton, AL. He was a valuable football player and was known by his fellow teammates as “Big Ed.”

Before finishing high school, Ed would practice football and then, go work for his agricultural teacher Mr. Spivey and his friend Mr. Thomley who had pigs and cows to tend to and crush feed. This would help ease the burden off his dad and mom to help pay expenses that was needed in order for him to play football.

He was later employed with Pepsi Cola Bottling Company and Dothan Warehouse where he served as manager before leaving to go work for Michelin Tire Company.

Ed, realizing that his childhood chores and the work ethic instill in him by his father James, helped shape him for his future endeavors. Ed and his dad always talked, and he valued his dad’s opinion about what he wanted to pursue. His dad encouraged him to follow whatever he desired to do with his life. He decided to step out on faith and pursued his life-long dream of owning his own business.

Ed loved being outside and enjoyed spending time with the elderly. After several years at Michelin, he became the owner of Johnson Lawn Services in 1984, where he served for 40 plus years, until his health started to decline.

Ed’s favorite scripture was the 23 Psalm and his hymn was: “A Charge to Keep I Have.” His motto was, “Stay Ready, So You Don’t Have To Get Ready!” He was a faithful and devoted member of the St. Peter Community Church and served as a Deacon and often asked by Pastor McLeroy to review the Sunday School lesson. Again, Mr. Stay Ready, didn’t have to get ready!”

He met and married the love of his life Gladys Harvey. To this union one child was born: Domonique Johnson. He raised another daughter as his own: LaCabra Harvey.

Ed fought a good fight, and he kept the faith, but after being in and out of the hospital several times in the last few months, God saw Ed was getting tired and called him from his earthly labor to his eternal home. Ed had a way to make flowers look nice in a customer’s yard, or a subdivision entry way. God’s garden needed a “Special” eye to coordinate a “Beautiful Bouquet for Display.” As he lifted his eyes to the hills and heard the Master’s call, he peacefully left it all. He passed away at Flowers Hospital on Friday, July 17, 2026. He is preceded in death by his father, James Edward Johnson and his sister, Christina Johnson Goodman.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories his two daughters: Domonique (Jermaine) Capell, Dothan, AL; LaCabra (Jeremy) Thomas, Columbus, GA; two grandsons: Jeremiah and Josiah Capell (he was so proud of these boys and they loved their “Papa” dearly), Dothan, AL; a loving and very devoted mother, Gerlean Johnson, Dothan, AL; two sisters, Barbara Redding and Denise Johnson both of Dothan, AL. And a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing family and friends.

VISITATION:

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2026, FROM 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M.

AT HORACE WILLIAMS MORTUARY

1457 E. MAIN ST.

 DOTHAN, AL

FUNERAL SERVICE:

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2026, AT 11:00 A.M.

AT ST. PETER COMMUNITY CHURCH

241 MARSHALL ROAD (BAY SPRINGS)

DOTHAN, AL

INTERMENT WILL FOLLOW:

SARDIS MISSIONARY BAPTIST

CHURCH CEMETERY (BAY SPRINGS)

11901 FORTNER ST.

DOTHAN, AL

Directed by:

Horace Williams Mortuary

1457 E. Main Street

Dothan, AL 36301

(334) 792-7099