Roll Call Tribute

Larry K. Johnson
June 10, 1944 - November 29, 2022

Larry Kent Johnson, 78, went to his eternal home on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 after his battle with cancer. He was born to Eric W. Johnson and Doris Oliver Johnson of Thrall, Texas on June 10, 1944. Larry was raised in Thrall and attended Thrall High School where he excelled in athletics and academics. He was in the top of his class and earned 14 letters in football, baseball, basketball and track, and throughout high school was elected Class Favorite, Most Athletic, Most Intellectual, Most Likely to Succeed, Most Handsome, Class President and was Mr. T.H.S. his Senior year.

An avid baseball player, Larry was recruited to play shortstop at Texas A&M University where he played for one year. He spent some time in the Corps of Cadets before receiving his Bachelors of Business Administration in 1966. Larry was a devout Aggie and enjoyed attending Aggie football games and tailgating at Olsen Field with friends and family.

Larry met his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Jean Hughes, in high school on a blind date when they were Sophomores in 1960 and it was love at first sight. They married on May 9, 1964 and had two children, Lance Johnson and Kristi Johnson Pickett, and raised their family outside of Taylor.

Larry’s career spanned many professions, including a few ventures in the restaurant business owning Papa’s Restaurant and Bar in Taylor, Brushy Creek BBQ in Round Rock and Cooter’s Country BBQ in Noack. For the past 20 years he was owner of Fly Your Colors flagpole business.

Larry shared many great memories playing baseball, traveling for fast pitch softball tournaments, and playing golf. Outside of sports, he enjoyed lake trips with friends and traveling in the RV. He was a country boy at heart and loved good food, classic country music, horses, and watching westerns.

Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and good friend and was loved by everyone he met. He was the best “Pappaw” to his grandkids and always wanted to put a baseball glove in their hands. Larry had a big heart, a witty personality, and was a one-of-a-kind who never met a stranger. Nicknamed Cooter Brown, he will be missed dearly by so many whose lives he has touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Jean, his son, Lance Johnson and Stacey Walters of Brenham, TX; daughter, Kristi Pickett and Les Pickett of The Woodlands, TX; his sister, Linda Abshire and Doug Abshire of College Station, TX; grandchildren, Josh Johnson, Kaitlyn Johnson, Riley Pickett; and great-grandchild, Arin Johnson.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Taylor Brethren Church on Monday, December 19th at 2:00 pm with Celebration of Life immediately following at the KC Hall in Taylor. Family and friends are invited to come and share fond memories and stories and celebrate the life of Cooter Brown.

A special thank you to Concho Hearts Hospice and the Taylor S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living for their wonderful care of Larry.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Taylor Brethren Church or a charity of your choice in Larry’s honor.