Lawrence Ray Johnson

Lawrence Ray was the second son and third child of four children born to Joan (Calvert) and Nathaniel Johnson Sr (world war II veteran, purple heart recipient) on July 9, 1949 to. He confessed a hope in Christ at a very early age under the leadership of Reverend Benjamin H. (Fannie) Hill at the Historical Vernon A.M.E. Church. He later joined Faith Christian Fellowship under Pastor Buddy Harrison. Afterwards he attended Love Center Christian Fellowship under Pastor William "Bill" Gardner. Lawrence was educated in the Tulsa Public School System and graduated in 1968 at Booker T. Washington High School. After graduation Lawrence joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Mayport, Florida on the USS Marias during the Vietnam era. He received an honorable discharge receiving the national defense service medal. After serving his country Lawrence attended Tulsa Junior College and Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa. While employed at Yuba Heat transfer, he trained as a welder in Mig & Tig welding and graduated from Tulsa Welding school. Lawrence had a passion and love for learning which led him to read and study a variety and vast amount of subjects. He was an excellent writer and at one time wanted to pursue a career in sports journalism. He loved the Lord and had a deep faith in God. He collected numerous versions of Bibles and loved studying the word of God. He played the trombone in the high school marching band and even was a member of a jazz band after high school. Lawrence had a love of music and sports of any kind. On May 7, 1975 Lawrence was joined in marriage to Kay Frances Wallace. To this union they had seven children that died before birth. During their 18 years together, they were blessed with one daughter Candace Nicole Johnson after 11 years of praying, hoping, and trying. On Thursday Morning, September 19, 2019 God called Lawrence home to enter in eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his parents, his seven children, sister and brother in law Patricia Ann and Calion Lockridge Sr. and a niece Anastasia Lockridge. Lawerence is survived by his only child Candace Nicole (Johnson) Nash and son-in-law Reverend Branden Nash. Brother Nathaniel Johnson Jr., Sister LaVerta (Ronald) Littles. Granddaughters Zo? Amani Nash, Halle Arianna Nash, and Kennedy Nia Nash. Lawrence has a host of loving nephews and nieces, cousins, and special lifetime friend Paschal Johnson.

Tributes

Lawrence Ray Johnson

July 9, 1949 - September 19, 2019