James Johnson

Born in Nashville, Tennessee on August 5, 1944

Departed on October 23, 2019 and resided in Nashville, Tennessee

Larry was born in Nashville on August 5, 1944 and passed away at Alive Hospice where he was supported and loved by many family members on October 23, 2019 at the age of 75.
Survived by his wife Ruth Hamilton Johnson, his most loved and prized possessions, daughter Dana Johnson, son Stephen Johnson and his wife, Mandy Meece Johnson, grandson Phoenix Johnson and granddaughter Molly Johnson. Also, his extended family, brothers Ken Hamilton, Rick Hamilton and wife Kay, sisters Rachel (Jim) Cowan, Mary (Carl) Albee, Bertie DeWane, Martha Malloch and a large number of nieces and nephews both Johnson and Hamilton.
He was a graduate of Cohn High School and Belmont University. He loved the Lord and served Him as pastor of West Nashville Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Fairview, and Richland Baptist Church. He was currently a member of the Westwood Baptist Church.
Many of you will remember Larry as a stack boy, cashier, stockman, Assistant Manager and Manager of Cooper and Martin Grocery. Larry was also a Probation Officer with the State of Tennessee before retiring, after which he spent many part time hours at the Sears Store in Bellevue Center.
Larry suffered many losses in his life beginning with his son, James Larry Johnson, Jr. He was the sole survivor of his birth family, parents Jimmy and Mary Johnson, also Jeanette Johnson, brothers Ed, Dick and Wayne Johnson, sisters Audrey, Mary Ann, Donna and Connie. He was also preceded in death by Eugene and Stella Hamilton.
Larry had a passion for all things Western and Native American. He collected Breyer Horses, painted every ceramic cowboys and Indians he could find and proudly displayed them. During his lengthy illness he colored with water color pencils and enjoyed giving his artwork to every nurse, as well as patients, at Centennial Medical Center and at NHC Rehabilitation Center.
Visitation with his family will be at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens on Highway 100 on Sunday, October 27, 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
And a service remembering his life on Monday, October 28, at 2:00 pm.
Rick Hamilton and Rick Martin will honor Larry at this service.
Larry's nephews will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Westwood Baptist Church supporting Operation Christmas Child.