Larry Darnell Johnson

Obituary For Larry Darnell Johnson

Larry Darnell Johnson, 75 of Lynchburg, VA passed Thursday, April 10, 2025. A Memorial Service will be Thursday6, April 17, 2025 beginning at 1:00 p.m., at Perry-Spencer Funeral Home, 511 Henry Street, Eden, NC.

Larry Darnell Johnson was born December 27, 1949 to Willie Johnson Jr. and the late Irene Blackwell Johnson in Reidsville, NC. He departed this life on Thursday April 10, 2025 in Lynchburg, VA.

Larry attended school in Rockingham County, NC. He discovered a passion for music at an early age and was a gifted bass guitarist. As an original member of the Funkhouse Band, he performed alongside his maternal cousin, the iconic Betty Mabry Davis. The group toured extensively, including performances overseas during the 70s. The band recorded multiple albums and was featured in the documentary “They Say I’m Different” as well as the animated series Tales from the Tour Bus. Although music was his first love, Larry was a jack of all trades and wore a number of hats including employment as a factory worker, caretaker, handyman and cook. He lived life on his own terms with a no-nonsense attitude. There was no sugarcoating when it came to his words, he had no qualms about speaking his mind. If you were ever allowed into his personal space that meant he genuinely valued and cared for you although in true Larry fashion, he would never admit it.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his son, Richie Johnson, brothers, Harry Johnson, Willie Lee “Sandy” Johnson III, sister, Linda Johnson, sister-in-law, Gloria Jean Blackwell Johnson, and special cousin Betty Mabry Davis.

Left to cherish his memory: his son; Maurico Graves of Harrisburg, PA, daughter, Jasmine Perkins (Joshua) of Martinsville, VA, sisters Stephanie Burns (Torey) of Kernersville, NC, Iesha Johnson of Reidsville, NC. Grandchildren; Indiya Graves, Destiny Graves, Yasmine Adams, Katherine Estrada, Madeline Estrada, maternal aunt Elnora Neal, niece, Lakaiya Johnson, nephew, Isaiah Burns, special cousins, Semmie “Nicky” Neal, Matthew Wayne Blackwell and special friend Corey Abbitt.

Send flowers to the service of Larry Darnell Johnson