Larry Johnson, 62, passed away suddenly at home on Saturday, March 6, 2010. A resident of French Camp for 44 years, he was born October 9, 1947 in Montgomery, Alabama, to Edith and the late Charlie Johnson.
The third of six boys, Larry spent his first few years in Alabama before moving to San Jose, California, in the early fifties. In 1964 the Johnson family settled in Manteca, where Larry attended his senior year at Manteca High, graduating class of 1965. During that year, he met the love of his life, Diane Lee Daviner, who became his wife on January 15, 1966.
Right out of high school Larry went to work for Sharpe Army Depot; during his 30 years of employment he reached the highest level of rank a civilian could, GS10. Larry later decided retired life wasn’t for him just yet. In 2000 he accepted a job working for the City of Manteca in the Parks and Recreation Department; after 9 years he decided he was once again ready for retirement. But soon his love for the great outdoors and fascination for the game sent him to the Manteca Golf Course where he took a part-time job .
Larry was a wonderful man; generous, witty and fun. He had a smile that would light up the room; always laughing and joking. A devoted husband, father and Popsi, he loved his family unconditionally. He treasured all the time he spent with them; their camping trips and their annual vacations to Disneyland. An avid Dallas Cowboys fan Larry enjoyed playing softball, bowling and riding dirt bikes but his passion was golf. He had an amazing love and understanding for the game.
Larry leaves behind his high school sweetheart and cherished wife of 44 years, Diane L. Johnson; two loving sons, Steve Johnson and Brian Johnson and wife, Claire; two precious granddaughters, Kayla and Katie Johnson, all of French Camp. He is also survived by his mother, Edith Johnson; brothers, Chuck Johnson and wife Nancy, Gene Johnson, Marvin Johnson and wife Carol and Ron Johnson, all of Manteca; sister-in-law, Marlene Pico and husband Bob of French Camp; brothers-in-law, Jerry Daviner of Stockton and Bernard Daviner and wife Marilyn of Manteca. He was also blessed with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie A. Johnson; brother, Tim Johnson; father and mother-in-law, George and Marie Daviner and niece, Renee Davis.
Arrangements are under the direction of P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road, Manteca; where visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 2010. Visitation will continue on Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 10:00 am to noon, service celebrating Larry’s life will begin at 1 pm. His final resting will be private. An online guest book is available at www.plfryandson.com for condolences and special messages for the family.
The third of six boys, Larry spent his first few years in Alabama before moving to San Jose, California, in the early fifties. In 1964 the Johnson family settled in Manteca, where Larry attended his senior year at Manteca High, graduating class of 1965. During that year, he met the love of his life, Diane Lee Daviner, who became his wife on January 15, 1966.
Right out of high school Larry went to work for Sharpe Army Depot; during his 30 years of employment he reached the highest level of rank a civilian could, GS10. Larry later decided retired life wasn’t for him just yet. In 2000 he accepted a job working for the City of Manteca in the Parks and Recreation Department; after 9 years he decided he was once again ready for retirement. But soon his love for the great outdoors and fascination for the game sent him to the Manteca Golf Course where he took a part-time job .
Larry was a wonderful man; generous, witty and fun. He had a smile that would light up the room; always laughing and joking. A devoted husband, father and Popsi, he loved his family unconditionally. He treasured all the time he spent with them; their camping trips and their annual vacations to Disneyland. An avid Dallas Cowboys fan Larry enjoyed playing softball, bowling and riding dirt bikes but his passion was golf. He had an amazing love and understanding for the game.
Larry leaves behind his high school sweetheart and cherished wife of 44 years, Diane L. Johnson; two loving sons, Steve Johnson and Brian Johnson and wife, Claire; two precious granddaughters, Kayla and Katie Johnson, all of French Camp. He is also survived by his mother, Edith Johnson; brothers, Chuck Johnson and wife Nancy, Gene Johnson, Marvin Johnson and wife Carol and Ron Johnson, all of Manteca; sister-in-law, Marlene Pico and husband Bob of French Camp; brothers-in-law, Jerry Daviner of Stockton and Bernard Daviner and wife Marilyn of Manteca. He was also blessed with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie A. Johnson; brother, Tim Johnson; father and mother-in-law, George and Marie Daviner and niece, Renee Davis.
Arrangements are under the direction of P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road, Manteca; where visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 2010. Visitation will continue on Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 10:00 am to noon, service celebrating Larry’s life will begin at 1 pm. His final resting will be private. An online guest book is available at www.plfryandson.com for condolences and special messages for the family.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
