John was born in Houston, Mississippi, and grew up there and in the neighboring town of Vardaman. He was the last surviving sibling in a family of eight. He joined the Navy in 1944 during World War II and served on the USS Liddle as it participated in the liberation of the Philippine Islands. He spent the next 20 years in the Navy, serving mostly at sea on aircraft carriers as an Interior Communications Electrician. He retired as a Chief IC man off the USS Lexington in 1964. After the Navy, John worked as an electrician at Sacred Heart Hospital and then St. Regis (now International Paper), retiring for a second time in 1986. During his working years and in retirement, he loved renovating his home in Warrington, doing most of the work himself.
John married his beloved wife June in 1956, and they were married for 56 years until her death in 2012. He is survived by his son Robert Stephens (Diane Medeiros) of Hawaii, daughter Joan White (Paul) of Pensacola, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives around the country.
John was a long-time member of Warrington Presbyterian Church which he continued to attend faithfully until his last illness at the end of 2020. He served God through his church in many ways, including as a deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher, and leader of the bus ministry. After his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf, especially with the Pinseekers. He was overjoyed when Double A baseball came to Pensacola and was one of the original season ticket holders of the Blue Wahoos. He could be seen in his seat just above the third base dugout during almost all home games, and he loved sharing his two other tickets with friends and family. John was also a long-time member of Naval Lodge No. 24 and the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 22.
John was a quiet man who believed in working hard and doing one’s best in all things. He was kind and generous, deeply loved other people, and enjoyed making friendships that lasted through the years. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and lived his life by the Golden Rule. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.
Because of COVID-19 concerns, a private burial service will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery.
A memorial service for John Earl Johnson (2/17/1926—2/18/2021) will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Warrington Presbyterian Church, 406 S Navy Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32507. A reception follows in the church’s fellowship hall. For full obituary, go to Oak Lawn Funeral Home’s website. Memorial contributions to honor John can be made to Warrington Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.
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