By Staff
August 12, 2006
A graveside service for John Paul Johnson of Tulsa, Okla., was Wedneday, Aug. 16, at 10 a.m. at Antioch Cemetery, Somerville, with his first cousin, the Rev. Vandon Windsor officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.
Mr. Johnson died Saturday, Aug. 12, at his home. He was born Dec. 30, 1920, in Morgan County to Ruth and I.B.D. “Dick” Johnson. In 1943, he married Louise Culbreath, the daughter of Fred and Myrtle Culbreath of Union Grove. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Evon Johnson; and his much-loved wife who passed away in February 2004 after 61 years of marriage.
Mr. Johnson attended school in Cotaco, graduating in 1941. For a time during the war, he served in the CCC. His lifelong avocation was sales.
After marrying Louise in 1943, he began his business career teaching in Cotaco after which he was employed by Montgomery Ward in Huntsville and then with Wearever Aluminum which launched his sales career. In the mid 70s, he and his wife opened Johnson’s Real Estate Co. at a resort property near Dallas.
He and Louise made a very successful real estate sales team, she taking on the role of high-pressure sales and he the low-key sales partner. They retired to Guntersville Lake in 1996 where they lived for three years before moving to Tulsa to be nearer to their sons and grandchildren.
Paul was a member of the Masons for many years and always gratefully acknowledged the assistance they provided when he was very ill in the late 60s.
After they retired, Paul and Louise enjoyed fishing at Ben’s home on Grand Lake and Paul had the time to take several extended fishing trips with his sons and grandsons. After Louise’s death, he did volunteer work at the Cancer Treatment Center in Tulsa which was representative of his generous and loving nature. He was honored as the Volunteer of the Year in 2005.
His family said they never heard a single person – family, friend, business colleague, say a negative word about Paul. He never knew a stranger and was always smiling and gracious. He extended help to many people quietly and without expectation of receiving anything in return. Although he was smiling to the end, it was no secret to those who knew Paul that, immediately after Louise’s passing, he was ready to make life’s final journey to join her. His family and friends who loved him so dearly are grateful that he decided to “take a later train” giving them the pleasure of his company awhile longer. All who knew him will miss him greatly, and the world will be diminished by his absence.
He is survived by two sons, Ben Johnson of Tulsa, Okla. and Stan Johnson of Dallas, Tex.; three brothers, Loyd Johnson of Hartselle, Harold Johnson of Somerville and Bruce Johnson of Memphis, Tenn.; a sister, Elizabeth Patrick of Birmingham; six grandchildren, Amy Rener, Paul Johnson, Douglas Johnson, Lauren Spraker-Johnson, Michelle Gillette and Sarah Johnson-Bell; four great-grandchildren, Brandon, Katie, Emery and Isaac; and devoted friends, Susie Crawford and Rosa Sanchez.