Larry Ellis Johnson is a native Houstonian born October 19 1944 to Rev. Harry and Myrties Johnson. Larry is the middle child with Sister Harry Jean and Brother Jerry. His education began at James D. Ryan Elementary then on to E. O. Smith and onto Kashmere Gardens Jr Sr High School where he graduated in 1962. At Kashmere Gardens Larry was a multi-talented two-sport student-athlete in basketball and baseball. He lettered four year in baseball and a two year starter for Coach Weldon Drew “Rambling Rams” basketball team. In basketball he wore #13 in honor of his mentor Kashmere great “Joe Young”.
Larry’s love for the game of baseball began as a youngster playing for Ryon Sports Baseball Organization. Larry gives a great deal of credit for his knowledge of baseball to his Little League Coach Herman “Boolah” Smith. Coach Boolah teaching aided Larry in making the varsity baseball team as a ninth grader. Larry greeted the opportunity to play for another outstanding Coach in Henry Stevenson who possessed a kin eye for recognizing talent. Kashmere was victorious in the Uriel Jackson pre-season tournament which pitted all area high schools as they walked away with the Championship trophy and Larry was named tournament MVP.
Larry accepted a dual basketball, baseball scholarship to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with fellow classmate Michael Ashley (football). On the talented lace Southern basketball team one of Larry’s teammates was Charles Maxey (Kashmere 1960), Roland Hayes (Jack Yates) and NBA Hall of Famer Bob “Butterbean” Love (Chicago Bulls).
His work career began as a Postal Letter Carrier, afterward gaining employment as a Transportation Engineer for 43 years. His position not only allowed him to see every part of Texas and Louisiana, but also enabled him to receive numerous safe driving awards. He also found time to fulfill a dream of his, to coach the program that gave him his beginning in baseball, Ryon Sports Baseball Organization.
Larry has been married for 25 years to Angelia Williams Johnson. He has three children Sheryl, LLayron and Porsche. He also has three granddaughters and one grandson. He is a member of the Male Chorus under the leadership of late Reverend Willie Jones. His hobbies are shooting pool and you guess it watching and critiquing baseball games on television.