Earl Valentine Johnson

Earl Valentine Johnson, 83, of Decatur, GA formerly of Huntington, WV transitioned peacefully Friday, March 30, 2018 at DeKalb Medical Center-Hillandale in Lethonia, GA. He was the son of the late Charles "Charlie" Johnson, Sr. and Mary (Hilton) Johnson. He was born on February 13, 1935. Earl is preceded in death by wives, Kathleen (Gatewood) Johnson, Willia Mae Johnson and Wanda Johnson; brothers, Kenzie, Robert, William "Bill", Willis and Lee Johnson; and sisters, Clara Mae Sorrells, Cora Floyd and Mary Johnson. Earl was reared in the coal fields of Braeholm, WV (Logan County). He attended Accoville Grade School and graduated from Buffalo High School. After high school, Earl served four years in the United States Air Force. Earl was a self-made comedian and ultimate entertainer. He started telling jokes on stage at the talent shows in high school. He loved making people laugh even when he worked your last nerve. Earl was also an astute student and returned to college in his forties after losing a long-term job. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Marshall University. He was employed by Marshall University in a Supervisor position up until his retirement. Make no mistake, Earl was a dedicated and hard-working employee and used his clout to assist members in the community to obtain employment. Everybody knew and loved Earl. Famous sayings include: "terrible dude" and "you don't know enough". He leaves to mourn his loss; daughter, Vita (Gatewood) King; step-children, Victoria Byrd and Bobby Byrd; sisters, Martha Darby and Jan Faye Smith; and brothers, Charlie Johnson, Jr. (Barbara) and Don Ray Johnson (Josephine). Also, surviving grandchildren: James (Christina) Justin King, LeRon, Willynna & Timothy Byrd, Shaunteria Jackson, Jmeil Cochrane and Troy Cochrane; a host of great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 A.M., Friday, April 13, 2018 at Full Gospel Assembly with Minister Billy Sloan, officiating. Family will welcome friends at 10:00 A.M. at the church. Burial will follow at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV. Online condolences may be expressed to the family below. FC18-051

Earl Valentine Johnson

February 13, 1935 - March 30, 2018