Paul Edward Johnson

Monday, May 4, 2015

Paul Edward Johnson, 88, died Sunday, May 3, 2015, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born Aug. 20, 1926, in Jonesboro to the late John and Cora Johnson. Paul lived in Blytheville for almost 60 years. He owned and operated the Blytheville Electric Motor Repair. Paul enjoyed finishing and was also known as the "Mayor of Big Lake."

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ora Johnson; and four brothers, Ardell, Richard, Charles and Russell Johnson.

Survivors include his son, Randy Johnson (Rita) of Jonesboro;

A daughter, Cora Sue Hardin (Tony) of Mountain Home;

His grandchildren, Chuck Hardin (Amanda) of Jonesboro, Amanda Allison (Shad) of Walnut Ridge, Anna Johnson of Jonesboro, Derek Kelley (Peggy) of New York, Matt Kelley (Cynthia) of Branson, Tanner Kelley (Stacey) of Jonesboro; and

Sixteen great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Walnut Street Baptist Church with his son, Randy Johnson, and Brother Glenn Puttman officiating. Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday at Walnut Street Baptist Church prior to the service.

For lasting memorials, the family asks to please consider the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Foundation for Lawrence Hall, 1309 West Main St., P.O. Box 839, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476.

An online registry is at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.