Earnest J. Johnson, 80, of 1 Noank Road, Mystic, died Sunday at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London after a brief illness.
Mr. Johnson was born in Hollindale, Mississippi on October 9, 1923 the son of Eugene James and Frankie Lee Johnson. He enjoyed a distinguished 31year career in the US Navy , entering in 1943 and retiring in 1974. After his retirement, he was employed as a pipefitter at Electric Boat in Groton.
He was a member of the Jeptha Ldge #11 AF&AM in New London, the Fleet Reserve Assoc of Groton where he served as a bartender, the Mystic Post # 3263 VFW in Mystic, and the B.F Hoxie Engine Co. in Mystic where he served as Steward.
He was married to Olive A. (Eccleston) Johnson in 1954. In addition to his wife, he is survived by 4 sons, Eugene Jay Johnson of Brooklyn, NY, Joel H. Johnson of Mystic, Donzel Ray Johnson of Pawcatuck, and Jonathan Lowan Johnson of Westerly; 3 half brothers, J.D. Nash of Ill., Albert and Fraziar Nash both of Mississippi; six half sisters, Maple McDail, Gertrude Fox, Ruthabelle Nash, Rubie Lee Anderson, Sarah Wilson, and Hattie Belle Nash, all of Mississippi; an uncle, Grant Lee of Greenville, Mississippi, two sisters-in-law Anna Lee Nash of Mt. Bayou, Mississippi and Jenny Nash of Memphis, Tennessee; nine grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Monday, April 5th from 6-8pm and Tuesday, April 6th from 11-12noon. A Funeral Service will follow at Union Baptist Church at 1pm.
Burial with military honors will be in Elm Grove Cemetery.