Earle Johnson Obituary
Earle Johnson, 102, passed away peacefully October 14, 2025, at Piedmont Crossing Retirement Center in Thomasville, NC. Born April 23, 1923, in Sioux City, Iowa, to parents Edward Oscar Johnson and Annette Verstratton Johnson. He was married to his high school sweetheart, the former Darlene Wynkoop, until her passing in 1987.
He was a proud veteran of the US Navy, who enlisted in 1942 and retired after 21 years in the submarine service. He saw action in both World War II and Korea, with the most harrowing missions during the Cold War. He was aboard the USS Razorback, an escort vessel to the USS Missouri, and witnessed the surrender of Japan to end WWII in Tokyo Harbor. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, and numerous social organizations.
He was preceded in death by daughter Lynn Jewel, granddaughter Kelly Jewel, grandson Scott Faure and wife Gloria Jean (Prestia).
He is survived by daughter Sue Dalton, of Virginia Beach, VA, and sons Richard (Lena) Johnson of Lexington NC and Bob (Kathy) Johnson of Mohrsville, PA; as well as grandchildren, Brian Johnson, Earle Johnson, Robert (Emily) Johnson, Thomas (Sauni) Johnson, Ann (Michael) Crandell, Julie (Harry) Carrion, and Darlene Jewel and ten great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
This obituary as been posted as a courtesy by Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
105 West Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734
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