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Larry Johnson Obituary
1944-2021
Larry Don Johnson, 77, born on March 24, 1944 in Houston, Texas to M. G. and Ruby Johnson, passed away June 26, 2021. He attended E.O. Smith Junior High and graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1962. After graduation, Larry continued his education at the University of Houston and later received his BA in Communications from Texas Southern University. In 1966, he was drafted into the United States Army. Larry was one of the founding members of the Urban Theater, the first Black theater group and was cast in a variety of theater and film roles along with numerous commercials. He has a long history of working in news media and has held positions at KHTV, KYOK, KCOH and KKBQ. He was the first Black news director and weekend anchor at Channel 39. In 1996, Larry became the Director of Public Affairs for the Harris County Hospital District. He was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2011 and retired from KTSU as the Development Director. He was an active member of Fallbrook Church since 2005. Larry is preceded in death by his younger brother, Othal, mother, father and stepson, Stecil Hopkins. Larry leaves to forever cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 31 years, Stephanie Lewis Johnson, his two children, Velika Nichole Marie Thomas (Rusty) and Jarvis Diallo Johnson, his five grandchildren: Nalyah, Kalib, Joshua, Jarvis and Jacob, along with family members and a host of devoted friends. The viewing will be Saturday, July 3, from 9AM to 11AM followed by the service at Fallbrook Church, 12512 Walters Road. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to KTSU Radio.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Johnson
Sponsored by McDuffie's Mortuary, Inc. - Houston.
Trevor Chandler
June 24, 2024
Mr. Larry D. Johnson - a gentleman's gentleman! He was much more than just an acquaintance - he was a friend in the true meaning of the word! My life was thouroughly enriched by having been blessed to have fellowshipped with this gentleman on many of occasions. The quote "Gone, but never forgotten" is extremely apropos!!!!
Donna M. Rosette
July 4, 2021
I'm the daughter of Mr. Don Rosette (formerly VP General Mgr. of KYOK Radio Station). On behalf of my daddy, he lost another great friend. My dad and Mr. Larry had the same birthday, but a year apart. My dad was born in 1943, from Opelousas, LA. It's amazing that God connected them together as friends and brothers. Our sincere condolences and our prayers are with all of you! Many blessings and we were blessed to be of support attending Mr. Larry Don Johnson's homegoing services. We love you!
Cheryl Griffin
July 3, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Reva Edward and Family
July 3, 2021
Stephanie, our heart felt sympathy are with you. I'm Mrs. Reva Edward, Larry cousin on M. G. and Ruby Johnson's side. I will miss you phone calls to check on me and on my birthdays. I have included a picture of you and you cousin Carolyn in those early years. may I see you again in heaven Larry. Our love will always be with you Stephanie.
theodore rayon
July 3, 2021
Rest in peace my friend
Trevor Chandler
July 3, 2021
I will miss those serious and fun discussions that Larry and I used to have. We connected on so many different levels. I always looked forward to the fellowship with Larry on my visits to KTSU.
Cyril and Maria Adkins (Dirden)
July 2, 2021
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. He was a blessed to all who had the privilege of knowing him. May God´s Love shine upon you all now and in the time to come.
Dorothy Eatmon
July 2, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Frances Whitaker (Gordon)
July 2, 2021
My thoughts and prayers goes out to the family. Class of 1964. You will be remembered.
Joyce Williams Bradford
July 2, 2021
We will miss you ,but want forget you!! Your Elementary school class mate.
Mavis K. Thompson
July 2, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. ( Class of 1965 )
Doris Fields
July 1, 2021
Sincere Sympathy
Fields Family
Michael "Big Mike" Edward
June 30, 2021
Larry Don, I will miss our wonderful conversation Cousin and the days that we just sit and talk about life and about the old days. You will always be in my heart, until we meet again. I will love you Cous.
Reynaldo Pradia
June 30, 2021
Larry Don, May God continue to Bless you my friend as he bring you up to Heaven with other Wildcats like Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, & Wayne Henderson!
Helen Sanders
June 30, 2021
Larry Don Johnson, God don't make 'em like you much anymore. You could teach 'lessons' in being a Gentleman...a human being of 'Honor.' Working with you in Television and Radio News in Houston, was an opportunity to see what a Dedicated Journalist/Communicator you were. Acting on Stage with you, when you played, "The Ghost of Christmas Future," in the Premiere of the musical, "Sing a Christmas Song," at the Ensemble Theatre of Houston, was some of the 'mostest' fun! Sure wish I'd made it from New York, when your Radio Station KTSU had Kirk Wham coming to town. My Deepest Condolences and Greetings to your so cherished wife, Stephanie and your many Loved ones! You had a good one yall!! So, Larry, until that 'Great Day in the Morning'~ see yah!
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