Alvis Earl Johnson

Boykins - Alvis "Earl" Johnson, 85, passed away March 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A lifelong farmer, devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, Earl lived a life rooted in hard work, faith, and deep love for those around him.

Born in Clayton, N.C., he was the son of the late William Roy Johnson and Lucile Rhodes Johnson. Earl was raised on a tobacco farm, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. After serving four years in the United States Navy he moved to Franklin, VA and spent several years serving the community with the Franklin Police Department.

Earl later purchased his farm in Boykins, where he and his beloved wife spent the rest of their lives farming and raising their family. Farming was not just his livelihood but a passion he proudly passed down to his son, Joseph.

He was a member of Boykins Baptist Church, American Legion, Board of Directors of the Virginia Carolina Peanut Farmers Cooperative Association, Urquhart-Gillette Chapter of the Sons of Confederacy, Boykins Lions Club, Founder and President of B&J Hunt Club, and an honored National Sustaining Member of the American Agriculture Movement where he drove a tractor in the 1979 "tractorcade" to Washington D.C. to demand better farm policies and economic reform.

Those who knew Earl will remember his boundless energy, warm spirit, and the constant smile he carried wherever he went. Serving his country and community was a chapter of his life that he carried with great pride, but nothing made him more proud than the family that he came from and created.

His greatest joy was his marriage to Peggy. He adored her deeply, often doting on her beauty and never missing an opportunity to express how much he loved her.

He was the oldest of twelve children and carried a deep love for his brothers and sisters throughout his life. Family meant everything to Earl. His children and grandchildren were truly the light of his life, and he shared a special bond with each of them. His granddaughters held a particularly cherished place in his heart, affectionately known to him as "Earl's Girls."

Earl is survived by the love of his life, his devoted wife, Peggy Howell Johnson; his children, Ben Johnson Sr. (Polly Ann), Meadow Johnson Kelly (Craig), Joseph Johnson (Gwen); and special granddaughter that he proudly raised, Brianna Johnson (Davey); his beloved 9 grandchildren, Ben Johnson Jr., Ashley Johnson Story (Kendall), Chris Johnson (Jessica), Kelsey Johnson Lowe (Matt), Jeffrey Johnson (Casey), Kyle Kelly, Victoria Kelly Murphy (Tim), and Nathan Kelly; his 14 great-grandchildren, Ashton, Carter, Amelia, Hadleigh, Rolli Beth, Colton, Brier, Mallory, Piper, Lottye Jo, Bennet, Avery, Lainey Jean, and Wylder; and five sisters, a brother, lots of nieces and nephews.

Earl built more than a life on the farm. He built a family rooted in love, loyalty, and togetherness. The lessons he taught, the stories he told, and the pride he carried for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will continue to shape the family he adored. Though he will be deeply missed, the love he planted in each of their hearts will continue to grow for generations to come.

Honoring his memory as pallbearers are Chris, Jeffrey & Eric Johnson, Kyle & Nathan Kelly, Carter Fowler, Davey Tyree, Matt Lowe. (Honorary pallbearers that are not able to be in attendance Ben Johnson Jr. & Kendall Story.)

A special thank you to the nurses and staff at East Pavilion and Gentiva Hospice for the compassion and care you showed him. Thank you for loving and caring for him as if he were your own family. Know that he loved all of you too.

A service with military honors celebrating his life will be held at 2PM on Friday, March 13, 2026 in Boykins Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Gibson officiating. Burial will be private at the family plot at the homeplace. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org