James Alan Johnson, was born in Center, Texas on July 15, 1948 to John “Johnie” Thomas Johnson and wife Maxine Williams Johnson.  Alan attended Center High School where according to the stories, he really enjoyed life.  After graduation, Alan began his career as a brick mason.  He married Bettye Walker Johnson on July 3, 1975, and together started their family and business, Johnson Masonry.  Alan was a member of Sam Samford No. 149.

 

 

Bettye and Alan lived in Center, Texas where they reared four children, Leigh, Lauri, Clint, and Callie. As the kids grew up, Alan made sure that each of them knew how to use a gun and introduced them to horses.  Although shooting and riding were not in Leigh and Callie’s repertoires, Alan and Bettye worked together so that each child excelled in their own interests.  If one asked about Alan’s parenting style, “We rode horses and shot guns; we did it always!”

 

 

As the kids grew older, Alan picked up roping.  He traveled across the southern United States with his son Clint and friends roping and conversing.  It is hard to find a person in the cowboy world who has not heard a story told by Alan Johnson.  His love for tales carried out into the deer hunting world.  The son-in-laws, grandsons, Clint, and hunting friends would all agree that “What is told at the deer lease, stays at the deer lease!”  Interestingly, when customers remember Mr. Alan, they too remark on his company’s skill with bricks, but always remember his stories.  I am sure it is the stories that helped him connect to God and be saved.

 

 

On January 2, 2021, James Alan Johnson ended his story but not his legacy in Nacogdoches, Texas surrounded by family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents: John “Johnie” Thomas Johnson and Maxine Williams Johnson; brother: John Keith Johnson.  He is survived by his wife: Bettye Walker Johnson; daughters: Leigh Johnson Clopton and husband Kevin Clopton of Gunter, Texas; Lauri Johnson Sisk and husband Aaron Sisk of Center, Texas; Callie Alane Morton and husband Jeremy Morton of Whitehouse, Texas; son: Clint Johnson and wife Donna Johnson of Nacogdoches, Texas; brother: Stephen “Steve” Gary Johnson and wife Renee Manning Johnson of Marlin, Texas; sister-in-laws: Cecile LeBlanc Johnson of Denton, Texas and Mary Jones Walker of Center, Texas; grandchildren: Bryce and wife Abby Clopton of Sanger, Texas; Braiden Clopton of Gunter, Texas; Camryn and husband Aaron Blankenship of Yukon, Oklahoma; Mackenley Johnson of Nacogdoches, Texas, Khloe’ Johnson of Nacogdoches, Texas; Allison Johnson of Nacogdoches, Texas, Grayson Mortan and Cade Mortan of Whitehouse, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews across the United States.

 

 

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 4, 2021, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. James Goodwyn officiating. 

 

 

Pallbearers will be James Colton Hairgrove, Dillion Ward, Trey Byrnes, Zach Moore, Leonardo Escelante, Jason Griffin, Bryce Clopton, Braiden Clopton, and Donnie Moody.  Honorary pallbearers will be Charles “Billy” Cook, Claude Lucas, and Don Moody.

 

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Panola College Rodeo, 1109 W. Panola, Carthage, Texas 75633.

 

 

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com