Remembering Businessman And Masonic Leader Larry Arnold Johnson

Larry was born on October 4, 1951, in Florence, SC to Hezekiah B. and Allie Dease Perkins Johnson, and died on Friday, April 2, 2021, with his loving wife, Mildred, by his side. He was a lifelong member of Savannah Grove Baptist Church, where he chaired or served on committees and ministries his entire life. Larry and his wife are the proud owners of Allie’s Florist & Gifts. He enjoyed many activities, including playing golf and spending time with his grandchildren.

Larry attended Carver Elementary, Wilson Junior and Senior High Schools, and Virginia State University, receiving Star Student and Who’s Who Awards in American High Schools and Colleges, and a degree in Applied Music. In his community, he served as PTA President of Lester Elementary School, President of the Effingham Branch of the N.A.A.C.P., President of Savannah Grove Brotherhood, and Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 401.

Larry was elected as president of the Wilson High School Alumni Association in 1995, serving for nine years. Under his leadership, membership grew from a little over two dozen to nearly two hundred, with monthly meetings to increase participation, and the yearly homecoming celebration grew to include the parade, tailgating, and the Purple and Gold Ball. Wilson Homecoming has grown to be one of the largest weekend activities in Florence with people coming from all parts of the country to participate. Larry was very proud of the efforts of those who got it started and those who continue the programs. He was honored to be named to the Wilson High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

In his Masonic travels, Larry has served in many capacities: Past Potentate of Crescent Temple #149, A.E.A.O.N.M.S.; Past Commander-In-Chief of Pee Dee Consistory #197, A.A.S.R.; Honorary Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Hiram Council #4, Royal & Select; Past Eminent Commander of Alpha-Omega Commandery #7, Knights Templar; Past High Priest of L.E. Hyman #42, Royal Arch Masons; Past Joshua of V.G. Brooks Court #17, Heroines of Jericho; Member of Mary E. Perkins Chapter #292, O.E.S.; Past Master of Crown Lodge #383, F.A.M.; District Deputy of the Ninth Masonic District, S.C. Grand Lodge, F.A.M.; President of the Order of High Priesthood, S.C. Grand Chapter, R.A.M.; President of The J.E. Dickson Class of S.C., Grand Inspectors Generals 33o, A.A.S.R.; Grand Recorder for the Palmetto Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, Jurisdiction of South Carolina; and Deputy Grand High Priest for The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Jurisdiction of S.C. At the time of his passing, he served as Assistant Grand Secretary for the Grand Lodge of South Carolina; and the Most Excellent Grand High Priest for The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Jurisdiction of S.C.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Annette Johnson Martien, and two brothers, Hezikiah Bobby Johnson, Jr., and Donnie Johnson.

Those left to cherish his memories include his wife of 46 years, the love of his life, Mildred B. Johnson; two sons, Darian “Brad” (Lori) Johnson and Varian “Chad” (Crystal) Johnson; one daughter, Andrea (John) Singleton; seven grandchildren, Elisabeth, Adrienne, Daniel, and Robert Johnson; Savannah and Sydney Johnson; and John Marcus Singleton II; one sister, Catherine Ann Timmons; one aunt, Fannie Mae Timmons; five sisters-in-law, Portia Johnson, Bettye Johnson, Naomi Davis, Sadie Bozier, and Thaier Holloway; special relatives including Dr. Hezikiah Brodrick Johnson III, Zerita Johnson-Williams, Jennifer J. McCall, Ava T. Martien, Alisa Nesmith Bellamy, Dr. Ralph W. Canty Sr., Jacqueline Canty, Ralph Canty Jr., and Serena Canty McCoy; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.