Obituary of Larry E. Johnson

Larry E. Johnson, 75, of Davenport, FL passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023. He was born on Monday, April 19, 1948, in Jacksonville, FL and was a lifelong resident of Davenport.  

Larry graduated from Haines City High School and while there he was the football manager. Afterwards, he went to Polk State Jr. College where he obtained his Batchelor’s degree. Larry had a storied career, starting at the local drive-in movie theater during high school, then after graduation he went to work for Lane Holt Funeral Home. He would then start his career in teaching junior high school working his way up to Principal. Eventually he left the school system to become a Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy, which led right into becoming a police officer for Davenport, eventually becoming the Police Chief of Davenport. With a little gentle nudging from his family, he went into the insurance business as an agent which he continued until he retired. Larry also enjoyed photography and photographed many weddings. He was a member of Westside Baptist Church where he was very active, serving on the church council as well as teaching Sunday school. Larry was also a member of the Masons, Haines City Lodge No. 219 F.&A.M. Larry was a true family man who enjoyed spending time with his family, from teaching his boys to play baseball and coaching their teams or umpiring the games. He truly loved to spend time with his wife, where they enjoyed traveling and going to the Daytona 500, they both shared a love for the Ford Mustang.  

Larry was predeceased by his parents, George and Verna Schwinn; wife, Linda C. Johnson; brother, George Schwinn, Jr.; and his best buddy - his dog Mickey. He is survived by his sons, Roger C. Johnson of Davenport, FL; David E. Johnson and his wife, Heather of Land O’ Lakes, FL; sister, Kathy Moody and her husband, Alan of Lakeland, FL; cousin, Patsy Calloway and her husband, Don of Haines City, FL; and grandchildren, Austin Taylor and his wife, Lauren of Land O’ Lakes, FL; Haley Johnson of Lake Wales, FL.  

A visitation will be on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 10:00 am until the funeral at 11:00 am, all at Westside Baptist Church, Haines City, with Pastor Rick Dunaway officiating, as well as a Masonic Service.