Earl Wayne Johnson

Earl Wayne Johnson of Knoxville passed away suddenly on November 2, 2017 at the age of 68. Earl was born in Houston, Texas on November 23, 1948 and lived his early life in various cities in Texas. His early elementary years were spent in Michigan, but he moved later in elementary school and grew up in Athens, Alabama. He graduated from Elkmont High School in Elkmont, Alabama. He attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville for a year where he met his wife, Carolyn. He graduated from David Lipscomb College. He was an IRS agent in Florida for 4 ½ years, moved back to Alabama then moved to Knoxville in 1983 working as a banker, an accountant, and a Certified Financial Planner before he retired. He was preceded in death by his parents, O. B. Johnson and Mary A. Pever Johnson and a niece, Lori Johnson. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 47 years, Carolyn Clark Johnson. He is also survived by two loving sons and their wives, Kevin and Heather Johnson and Keith and Eboney Johnson, and was “Pa” to his two grandchildren Zachary and Madelyn Johnson, all of Knoxville. Other survivors include a brother and his wife, James and Diane Johnson of Beaver Creek, Ohio, a sister and her husband, Donna and Karl VanDevender of Bauxite, Arkansas. Additional survivors include 7 brothers-in-law: Louis Clark of Ardmore, Alabama, Grayson Clark (wife Frances) of Hazel Green, Alabama, Kenneth Clark (wife Janice) of Toney, Alabama, Thomas Clark (wife Joan) of Ardmore, Alabama, James Clark (wife Louise) of Huntsville, Alabama, Charles Clark (wife Shelby) of Ardmore, Alabama, and David Clark (wife Debbie) of Pulaski, Tennessee. Also one sister-in-law, Mary Clark Rowe (husband Butch) of Toney, Alabama as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Earl loved singing and gardening. Even more, he loved traveling and spending time with his family, especially when that time included a big meal prepared by his wife. Earl was a member of the Oak Ridge church of Christ. He loved the Lord and loved teaching others the gospel. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, November 10 with the funeral service at 7:00 pm at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Murray Wade, a dear friend and brother in the Lord, will officiate. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 9:30 am. on Saturday, November 11, to proceed to Highland Memorial Cemetery for a graveside service and interment.

Tributes

Earl Wayne Johnson

November 23, 1948 - November 2, 2017