Larry Johnson

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Larry Russell Johnson, 80, of Columbus, MS, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital- GT. Quick to laugh, Mr. Johnson’s dry wit was always balanced by his agreeable nature bringing peace to every conversation he entered. We continue to hear stories of his willingness to help strangers and give freely to those in need.

Lowndes Funeral home will host visitation on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with memorial service following at 11:00 AM in the Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Johnson’s son-in-law, Dr. Kyle Cunningham, will be officiating.

Mr. Johnson was born August 9, 1945, to the late William Russell and Hortense Gilliam Johnson in Kennedy, AL. He was a member of Meadow Branch Baptist Church in Kennedy, AL and a part of Community Baptist church in New Hope. Mr. Johnson worked as an Inspector for Omnova Solutions, retiring after 45 years of service. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends, and doing body work on classic cars with his son. Coming from a family who made music together at every gathering, he played the guitar by ear and was thrilled whenever his son and 2 grandsons picked up the instrument alongside him. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers- Charles Remus and James Venoy. He leaves behind one beloved little sister, Brenda Sims.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife and “Sweetie” of 60 years, Mattie Faulkner Johnson; son- Byron Russell Johnson(wife, Melinda); daughter- Donna Johnson Cunningham (husband, Kyle); grandchildren- Cole Johnson (wife, Abby), Noah Cunningham, Gabriel Cunningham, Weston Cunningham; great-grandchildren- Joshua Henderson and Isabella Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society at American Cancer Society.