William Larry Johnson

LTC William Larry Johnson, 71, of Harvest, passed away Thursday after a brief stay in the hospital. He was a beloved husband, father, co-worker and friend. He was born in Scottsboro to Clifton A. and Alma Laura Johnson. He graduated as valedictorian from Woodville High School in 1958. He earned his bachelors from the University of North Alabama and was the recipient of the Keller Key and a distinguished military graduate. He received his doctorate in Analytical Chemistry and Physics from Vanderbilt University. He served in the United States Army for 25 years. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery in May 1962. Her served overseas in Korea and Germany and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. After holding numerous leadership positions, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1987. His awards and decorations included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and the Vietnam Campaign and Service Medal. After retiring from the Army, he worked in defense contracting for BDM, TRW, Northrop Grumman; culminating as the Senior Systems Engineer for Sentar.



LTC Johnson was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Clifton A. Johnson and mother, Alma Laura Johnson. Survivors include his loving wife, Wanda Elaine Johnson; brothers-in-law, Jerry Berry and James Berry; son and daughter-in-law, LTC William and Heather Johnson; daughter, Laura Ellen Johnson; and three loving grandchildren, Gwyndalyn, Gavin and Gillian Johnson.



Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, Huntsville, AL. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday and 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday at Shackelford Funeral Home, 993 Hwy. 13, South, Collinwood, TN 38450. The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday at Shackleford Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens, Collinwood, TN



In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, c/o William L. Johnson, 811 W. Evergreen Ave, Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60642; www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.