ALVIN WILLIS "JOHNNIE" JOHNSON, 93, passed away on
Feb. 10, 2018 in Dalhart, TX, with burial at
Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, TX, with Military
Honors.
His life began May 28, 1924, the third child of
Robert E. and Mary Gould Johnson, of Ranger, TX.
He enjoyed almost 94 years with family and a vast
array of friends across the southwest and elsewhere.
Alvin rose to heaven to join the love of his life,
Zelda. Together they celebrated 48 years of wedded
bliss, continuous adventures, & countless journeys
through life before her early departure. Their
union was strengthened with two sons, Gary & Sid.
Upon his arrival into this world family members
witnessing & assisting his birth jokingly exclaimed
that Alvin was a Big Boy, a moniker used by close
family throughout his life. He attended Cooper School
& graduated from Ranger High School in the Class of
1941 at Ranger, TX. In high school, he a cheerleader
& Senior Most Popular. Alvin served in the U.S. Navy
during WWII from 1942-1946 on a destroyer as a Gunner
Mate First Class. After his military stint he attended
and graduated Baylor University.
The man NEVER met a stranger! Through his employment
with Amoco Oil for 33 years, travel took him and his
family many places extending their friendship everywhere.
The Terlingua Chili cook-off was a favorite annual
ritual for years. Hunting and fishing were high on
Johnnie's 'to do often' list as well as visiting his
siblings and other family in Alaska, Arizona, or
wherever.
Upon retirement in 1983 he and Zelda kept busy. After
losing her in 1996, Johnnie moved from Gilmer to
Matagorda where the Jurek clan adopted him. Many
days over many years he fished the mid-Texas coast
and hunted South Texas. Perhaps his only regret in
life was never successfully harvesting a spring
gobbler as 'long beard fever' got him every time!
He so enjoyed deer camp camaraderie, fireside story-
telling, Miller High Life, and a good toddy.
Johnnie will be greatly missed by many. He had a
special knack for giving directions anywhere across
Texas and New Mexico without ever getting on an
Interstate highway. He was admonished often for
always carrying a spoon in his ever-present bib
overalls 'just in case he needed to taste something'
if offered the chance. He had a sweet tooth!
Preceded in death by his parents, beloved Zelda,
sister Mary Frances Johnson Eaton (RHS-1939), brother
Robert Johnson (RHS-1937), many close friends including
Anthony "Tony" Jurek and Wayne Miles, Johnnie leaves
behind sons Gary and wife Barb, and Sid and wife Linda,
4 grandchildren, Stephanie Johnson of Craig, Co,
Bradley Johnson & wife, Melody of Gilmer, TX, Ben
Pigman & wife, Keylia of Amarillo, TX and Blake Fisher
& wife, Stephanie of Eureka, MI as well as 12 great-
grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and
special cousins Jack and Johnice Anderson.