William “Larry” Johnson: 17 May 1949 – 12 April 2025
William Larry Johnson, known as Larry to all his family and friends, was born on
May 17, 1949, in Amarillo, TX. to William “Jack” Johnson and Melba Boyd
Johnson.
While he was still very young, Larry and the family moved to San
Antonio, TX. He was a member of the Bulverde Church of Christ.
Larry was a 1967 graduate of Highlands High School. During his high school
days Larry became known for his talent and ability to restore and recondition the
bodies and interiors, and “soup up” the engines of Volkswagen Beetles. He
married Bonnie Gail Callender on May 6, 1972. Jennifer Lanette “Mouse”
Johnson was added to their family on December 4, 1980.
After high school, Larry went to work for Sears, Roebuck, & Co. in south San
Antonio. He soon was the leading sales person and manager of “Division 24,”
the drapery and other window treatment department. Soon customers were
asking Larry to sell them draperies, usually custom made, and to install them.
Eventually Larry’s installation jobs, always done with precision, became so well
known another custom drapery and blind company contracted with him to
measure windows, sell the job, then do the installation. Larry contracted these
jobs and enjoyed being self-employed. Later in life, Larry worked with and for his
neighbor, Patrick Harrison, installing insulation.
For fun, Larry was an enthusiastic deer hunter and lover of the outdoors. Larry
was known by his friends as one of the most patient hunters to be found
anywhere. Larry’s garage is a testament to his time spent in the woods. From
scores of trophy bucks to mounted rattlesnakes, quail, bobcats and hogs, his
garage is quite the museum. Larry’s garage, though, is also occupied by various
objects he has collected and restored over the years. Sometimes known as “the
garage guy,” Larry has dozens of cleaned and restored oil lamps of all sizes and
shapes, antique electric fans, western memorabilia, crafts, hobbies, and more.
People often drive by just to get a glance at his garage.
Larry is survived by his wife of almost 53 years, Bonnie, their daughter, Jennifer
(Bruce) Pierdolla, granddaughter Rachael Pierdolla, his brother, James Edward
“Jimmy” Johnson (Arlene), and his brother, John Boyd Johnson (Cindy). In
addition, Larry is survived by numerous extended family members, friends, and
hunting buddies.
Visitation will be Friday, April 18, 2025, at 9:00 am at Finch Funeral Chapel
Chapel Service will begin on April 18, 2025, 10:00am at Finch Funeral Chapel.
Interment to follow at Nockenut Cemetery
https://www.finchfuneralchapels.com/memorials/Johnson-William/5582987/