Larry Matthews Johnson

Larry Matthews Johnson of Youngsville, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on March 24, 2026 He was recently hospitalized at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was born on February 28, 1948, in Dunn, North Carolina, to the late Theron H. Johnson and Johnnie Lou Johnson. Larry was preceded in death by his daughter, Amber Nowell Johnson; his sister, Johanna Weeks; and his brothers, Jimmy Johnson and David Johnson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Brenda Hensley Johnson, whom he married on August 10, 1968. Larry often said, “It is not a long time when you love somebody,” and Brenda was truly the center of his universe. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and devotion.

He is also survived by his daughter, Gabrielle Gauger and husband Aaron of Rolesville; his son, Jeremy Johnson and wife Pam of Linden; and his beloved grandchildren, Haley and Jeremy Johnson Jr. of Linden, and Logan Johnson, Kimberlee Gauger, and Ashleigh Gauger of Rolesville. To his grandchildren, he was simply “Papa,” the one who taught them to ride bicycles, drive cars, mow grass and always greeted them with a smile. 

Larry was a longtime resident of Linden, North Carolina, before moving to Youngsville to be closer to his daughter. During a period of health challenges, he also lived with Gabrielle and Aaron in Rolesville for several memorable years, cherishing that time surrounded by family.

Larry was born and raised in the same community where he faithfully attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church throughout his life—the very church where he met and married Brenda.

Larry devoted 43 years of service to Purolator in Fayetteville, North Carolina. A dedicated and dependable employee, he primarily operated a forklift, ensured assembly lines remained supplied with materials, received raw inventory, and at times served as a supervisor. He knew the truck drivers by name and took pride in doing his job well. He worked in the heat and the cold, early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays—never complaining, because providing for his family was his greatest joy.

Raised on a family farm, Larry grew tobacco, corn, and beans and helped care for hogs alongside his parents and siblings. Though he worked full time at Purolator as a devoted company man, providing stability for his family, the farm and the family pallet business, Custom Pallet, was always part of who he was. He loved the simple satisfaction of getting a crop in, working hard from sunup to sundown, and laboring side by side with those he loved. Those early years in the fields shaped his work ethic, teaching him commitment, humility, and pride in an honest day’s work. Larry could operate every piece of equipment on the farm and maintained a lifelong appreciation for tractors. Even after beginning his career, he visited his parents at the farm every single week, sharing meals, stories, and time together.

Larry enjoyed attending stock car races, hot rods, and tractor pull. He loved holidays, family gatherings, and a good meal—especially link sausage from Big Ed’s Restaurant. He found joy in the simple things, receiving a Honeybun for a birthday or a Farmer’s Almanac for Christmas was more than enough when paired with a good meal around a table with family.

To know Larry was to love him. With his big smile and gentle nature, he was known for saying, “Ain’t no problem,” no matter the circumstance. He was tender-hearted, kind, easygoing, and the very embodiment of quiet integrity. He would want everyone to smile at one another, offer a kind word, and appreciate life’s simple blessings. Above all else, Larry’s driving force in life was his commitment to family.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27th at Dunn Funeral Home, 904 Lucas Street, Erwin, North Carolina.  A Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dunn, North Carolina, on Saturday, March 28th at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Father Mulroney.  Entombment will follow at Harnett Devotional Gardens in Dunn, North Carolina.

His legacy of kindness will live on in all who knew him.

Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin is honored to serve the family of Larry Matthews Johnson.

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