Gary Alvin Johnson

Gary A. Johnson, age 71, a native of Elyria Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 1, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio where he has resided since the late 80’s.

He was born on April, 26, 1949 to the late Albert E. Sr. and Etta Mae Johnson. Gary was a 1969 graduate of Elyria High School, where he received many accolades for dominating the wrestling mat and track & field events. Gary received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Wilmington University, where he earned the highest honor of Summa cum laude.

Early in his career, Gary was employed at Ford Motor Company as a laborer and The Beacon group home for boys as a residential counselor/advisor. His continual impact on the lives of teenage boys led to him acquiring an assistant coach position for both EHS and Southview High School wrestling teams, where he had the honor of training several state champions.

Gary’s love for physical fitness involved a lifetime commitment of participating in various sports, ranging from boxing, running, wrestling and weight lifting. He entered several tough man competitions, in addition to a few decathlons.

His true calling in life was his passion for art, in which he had an innate ability to draw and paint masterpieces of some of America’s greatest civil rights heroes, including Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King. Of all his accomplishments, what brought Gary his greatest sense of pride was being an adoring father to his daughter, step children, and granddaughters. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

He will be forever loved and cherished by his daughter, Erycka R. Johnson-Allen of Columbus, OH; sisters Rose A. Echols of Bucyrus, OH, Cathy E. Finn of Minneapolis, MN; brothers Tim A., Albert (Butchie) E. Jr. and Herbert L. Johnson all of Elyria; step-sisters Neldra Maben and Marita (Tony) George both of Elyria, and Marnita Seymore of Columbus; step-sons Tracy E.(Judy), Walter (Pedie) E. Jr. and Richard E. Moody all of Elyria; step-daughter Wytina Johnson of Columbus; granddaughters Ar’yana N. and Ky’leana M. Allen of Cleveland, OH; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, Gary was preceded in death by his beloved step-mother Ann Johnson; and nephew Lucius A. Johnson Sr.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to
every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to
plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 KJV

Memorial Service 1:00 PM Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Ely Square Park 400 Broad Street Elyria, Oh 44035.

Family is requesting that all flowers and cards be sent to 256 Windsor Drive Elyria, Ohio 44035.