Alfred M. Johns

And now is the time that I'd hoped would never come.

It's been weighing on my mind, where I'll stand when you are gone.

And now I break down and cry, wishing you could still be young.

I know a part of me has died along with you now that you're gone.

-Jason M. Brownie

Alfred M. Johns "Big Al", 80, of Punta Gorda, FL left this earth to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Charlotte Regional Medical Center. He was born August 16, 1927 in Jacksonville, FL. Al proudly served his country in the Coast Guard as well as the Navy. He then went on to earn his degree at Guilford College in North Carolina, where he starred as a football player, before eventually signing as a quarterback with the Washington Redskins. After a brief stint as a backfield coach at Duke University, Al was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency to direct special operations in the Pacific during the Korean War. After his career in the CIA, he moved to Punta Gorda, FL and would go on to become one of the area's most recognized and respected developers. He is credited with developing or helping to develop Punta Gorda Isles, Burnt Store Isles, Burnt Store Meadows, Burnt Store Lakes, Burnt Store Marina, Deep Creek, Seminole Lakes, Sugarmill Woods, Prairie Creek Park, Prairie Creek Estates and Prairie Creek West. Al was dearly loved throughout the community and will always be remembered as a true class act and a great role model to many.

Al will be greatly missed by a family that feels truly blessed to have had him in their lives. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Mary Anne, sister Phyllis Maughan, sons, Kevin and Kelley, daughter Gaye, grandsons, Jason, Rance and Kevin, granddaughters Andrea, Marianne and Lauren, 6 great grandchildren as well as many other family members and friends.

Memorial Services will be held privately. The family has requested memorial donations to a charity of the donor's choice. Please visit www.kays-ponger.com to leave the family condolences and to sign the guestbook. Kays-Ponger Funeral Home, Punta Gorda Chapel is in charge of arrangements.