Ellis E. Johnson Jr.

Ellis Edward Johnson lived a life that took him from the football fields of Central, Louisiana, to the professional fields of the American Football League, and eventually back home to build a life rooted in family, faith, friendship, and the things he loved most.

Born July 9, 1943, to Sarah Price Johnson and Edward Ellis Johnson, Ellis learned early in life what it meant to be independent. After his father passed away when Ellis was young, he became the man of the house, growing up alongside his two sisters. Even as a boy, he had a competitive streak that would follow him throughout his life. He loved a good game, and he loved to win. His sisters knew this well, often accusing him of bending the rules during pick-up-sticks and jacks.

As he got older, he could often be found riding his scooter across Central to visit his girlfriend, Terry Morgan, who was not only his high school sweetheart, but also the love of his life. Ellis and Terry were married in 1962 at Blackwater United Methodist Church, where they were members until later moving their membership to Live Oak Church. What began as a young romance became a marriage rooted in faith that lasted 63 years, a family of three children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Ellis was a natural athlete with a particular love for football. After graduating from Central High School in 1961, where he was a running back on the Wildcats team, he continued playing at Southeastern Louisiana University for the Lions, and eventually earned a place in the school’s Hall of Fame. His talent carried him to the professional level, where he was drafted in 1965 and went on to play for the Boston Patriots until 1968.

But while football took him far from home, Ellis eventually returned to Louisiana, where he began a 54-year career as a State Farm insurance agent. He built a career serving others and spent decades establishing relationships throughout the community.

His competitive spirit and love of adventure never faded when he left the football field. Ellis loved riding dirt bikes and racing Enduros, a passion he shared with his family. He enjoyed traveling across the country in his motorhome or his Harley Davidson , exploring new places and taking in the wildlife along the way. He was the kind of person who would notice an animal along the side of the road and make sure everyone else saw it, too. He loved coaching his son, playing cards with family and friends, and spending time with the people who meant the most to him.

Above all, Ellis loved his family. He and Terry built a life together based on their Christian beliefs that grew into generations, and he took great pride in watching that family grow, and never missed a moment to say he hoped it kept growing! Whether it was time spent outdoors, a Sunday morning at church, a family trip, a football game, or a card game around the table, he found joy in being together.

Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah Price Johnson and Edward Ellis Johnson; his stepfather, John Thomas; and his sister, Cindy Johnson Fontenot.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Terry Morgan Johnson; his three children, Lori Johnson Larroquette (Jerry), Lisa Johnson Kastner (Andy), and Eddy Johnson (Ashley); nine grandchildren, Morgan Kastner Almeida (Robinson), Austin Larroquette (Emilie), Jacob Larroquette (Lizzy), Mary-Claire Johnson Jamil (Fahim), Aaron Kastner, Sarah Larroquette Coleman (Bryce), Haley Kastner, Eli Johnson, and Cate Johnson; six great-grandchildren, Margaret Coleman, Chloe Larroquette, Samuel Coleman, Noah Larroquette, Robinson “Sonny” Ellis Almeida, and Jude Jamil; and his sister, Linda Johnson Elenbaas.

Ellis leaves behind a family shaped by his love, a lifetime of stories, and memories that will be told for generations. He will be remembered for the life he lived, the adventures he chased, the people he loved, and the family that will carry his legacy forward.