Earl V. Johnson

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1941 to George and Madie Johnson, Earl was the baby of the family, and his parents spoiled him accordingly. Earl led an epic life that began at birth. His father was the first black man to work in the executive offices at Standard Oil, and all of Earl’s older siblings became successful high-level professionals in their own right. He played football in high school, at Edward Waters Junior College (now university), and later at Florida A&M University. Afterwards, he was drafted to fight in Vietnam. When he returned from war, he went to Officer Training School; and then the army sent him back to Vietnam as a second lieutenant in the Military Police. While in Vietnam, Earl was shot; but that did not dissuade him from pursuing a life dedicated to protecting the public. Earl continued in the Army as a Military Policeman. During his tenure, he did such things as patrol the Berlin Wall and investigate a murder case along the Autobahn.

When Earl returned to America, he joined an acapella group and toured the southern United States performing with them. He played gigs at the famous Club Cherry in Lebanon, Kentucky; and his group once opened for James Brown. Earl crossed paths with many famous people throughout his life. In his work providing security at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Earl protected the likes of the Rolling Stones and Rick Pitino; and Elvis Presley personally selected Earl to go get Elvis and his roadies some barbecue chicken. Besides music, Earl loved watching football and college basketball. He was an avid U of L fan, although he knew better. Despite his better judgment, he watched every game the Cardinals deigned to air on television.

Earl became a leader in local law enforcement at a time when racism was out in the open, yet he ultimately retired from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office as a Captain. Earl went on to be chief of police of the cities of West Buchel and later Lynnview. Earl was a leader, mentor, and friend to many; and he will be remembered fondly for his strength, practicality, and good humor.

Earl is preceded in death by his former wife Sharon Canary Johnson, his parents, his stepson Tony Wilson, two of his sons, and his siblings.

He is survived by his wife of sixteen years, Susan Smith Johnson, step children, Abigail Stocker (Mark), Zach Smith (Andrea). He is also survived by his adoptive daughters Alecia Bays (Scott) and Judy Miller (Buddy), his son Roderick Johnson, his daughter Faye Johnson, his niece and fellow UofL devotee Kim Johns, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 12:30 pm on Friday, October 17, 2025 at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church, 6105 S. Third St., Louisville, Kentucky, 40214. Visitation will also take place at the church, starting at 10am, with a brief recognition by the Fraternal Order of Police at 11:30. Inurnment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery at 2pm.