JL "Big Daddy" Johnson

Mr. JL “Big Daddy” Johnson, of Elba, Alabama, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 20, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was 87.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023, at Woodland Grove Baptist Church Family Life Center with Reverend Ken English and Reverend Donnie Marler officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home & Crematory of Enterprise directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, January 22, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

JL was born April 21, 1935, in Alabama to the late Mattie Lou Johnson. He served his country in the Army National Guard and would go on to retire after 40 years of service at Fort Rucker, Alabama. In his younger years he worked at Birmingham Brick Company manufacturing block. Over the course of his career he would serve twice in the same three job capacities. In addition to working at Fort Rucker, JL also worked at Dorsey Trailer in Elba, Alabama, as well as Boland Homes. While with Boland Homes he was a master carpenter and also an excellent bulldozer operator. He also owned and operated several chicken houses which kept him and his children busy. He served as a deacon at Woodland Grove Baptist Church since 1969.  JL also enjoyed several hobbies, some of which included grilling for friends and family, hosting fish fries, and being an umpire at local softball games. In addition to his mom, one son, Van Johnson, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Nellie Johnson; his children: Greg Johnson (Tracy) of Enterprise, Glen Johnson (Kerry), Bob Johnson (Tara), Jason Johnson (Shelia), Susan Hudson (Troy), Wesley Johnson (Brandi), all of Elba, Alabama; grandchildren: Ryan Johnson, Austin Johnson (Madison), Chance Johnson (Hannah Hughes), Taylor Wright (Winston), Blake Johnson, Blaine Hudson, Byron Johnson, Jace Hudson, Brayden Johnson, Brady Johnson, Cole Johnson, Shaylee Johnson, Marigrace Johnson; and great-grandchild, Klayten Caroline Johnson, as well as many more loving family members and friends.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Woodland Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund at P.O. Box 681, Elba, Alabama 36323

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