Alvin Charles Johnson Jr.

Alvin Charles Johnson, Jr. passed away on July 8, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona at the age of 87. He was born on May 18, 1934 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Alvin Charles Johnson, Sr. and Doloras Mae Elsner. He spent his boyhood years by his sister Dianne’s side.

Al had a lifelong passion for education. He graduated from Shortridge High School, class of 1952, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned his bachelor’s degree in arts & sciences from University of Kentucky; master’s degree in geology from the University of Michigan and PhD in geology from University of Michigan. He became “The Rock Doc,” and “Dr. J.” He loved to read, study, and research. In his later years, he could often be found sitting in his favorite place on the couch, diet coke in hand, with an intricate scientific book on his lap or at the lab working and researching. Al had a kind heart and was the champion of the underdog.

Alvin was married and widowed three times. Each of these women blessed his life: Judy (married June 19, 1954) who was the mother of his first three children; Beverly (married January 23, 1970) who raised the children and brought more sons into his life; and Jeannie (married June 22, 2014) who counseled the children. The resulting “yours, mine, and ours family” included children: Bill, Brad, Michael, Barry, Eileen, Jennifer, and Chuck.

Al was preceded in death by Judy, Beverly, and Jeannie; two children, Barry and Brad; and his parents. He is survived by his sister, Dianne Cartmel and five of his children: Bill Beebe, Michael Johnson, Eileen Thomas, Jennifer Barney, and Alvin C. Johnson III “Chuck.” A viewing, funeral services and interment will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery in Chandler, Arizona.