Alton Johnson, also known as Al, Big Al, or Shorty, was born on September 9, 1934, to the late Delois “Big Daddy” & Odessa “Big Mama” Johnson. He was the 5th of 8 children (Lily Fletcher, Eva May, Clifford Johnson, Oscar-Lee Johnson “Uncle Bill”, Talitha Barber, Delois “June” Johnson, Donnie Johnson). Alton was raised in Henry County, Georgia, and attended Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church. His work ethic was developed at a very early age as education was replaced with work in the cotton fields and then cutting trees in his youth. By his teens, he was working on cars with his brothers and his father. “Them Johnson boys” were intelligent self-taught mechanics who were known for their pretty cars.
On November 11, 1951, he married Dorothy Ruth White in Jackson, Georgia. They moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and began a family. Al earned a reputation as a transmission expert while working at a West Chesterfield Gas Station. On August 28, 1975, he then married Ethel Mae Stewart. Together they established a salvage and repair shop. Al’s Auto Wrecking & Salvage moved to a few different locations throughout the years, but the family just called it “the junkyard.” He was gifted at not only fixing cars but building cars as well. There were times when he encountered a person or family that could not afford the repairs. He would just shake his head, chuckle, and then make arrangements with them to pay later. He would rarely charge students or family members. Guys could come work at “The Junk Yard” whenever they wanted and sometimes knowledge, training, and building experience was their pay. He freely shared his expertise with anyone wanting to learn it. Many owe him credit for the car knowledge, hustle, or business they have today. We know how to check oil, change a tire, and do other basic maintenance because he taught us, or he taught the one who showed us.
In June 1964, he met Bernice Johnson and they created a family together. Despite what household you were raised in, the togetherness, family dynamic, and love were like no other. He proudly fathered his children and claimed their siblings as well. His heart and his home were open to anyone who called him “dad or Uncle Alton” anyone was family whether by blood or just by love. He was loving, generous caring, and an unselfish giver. He would give you a chance. People loved him for that. “Saint Clair,” as his home was called, served as a home base for family near and far. He gave love without any reservation. You just heard it in his voice and saw it in his grin. Alton was a man of few words but then, he didn’t need many. He had the memory of an elephant, a calming spirit, and a whisper of a voice. He was not known for violence, but you could not wrong him and rest well afterward because of his loved ones. He was known more for love and happiness. He didn’t take a long ride without his blues. Those first guitar strums of Al Green’s song will forever make us think of him. He lived an active work life well into old age and was always on the move even in his retirement. He was still motoring around just weeks ago until he was called home to be with our loved ones who have already been called home.
He was adamant about not going home until he was ready and until he spent his last precious moments with whom he demanded to see. One of the last things he said before he went home was to tell his children that he wanted to make sure that they knew that he loved all of them. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife (Ethel Mae); 6 siblings, 5 children, and 3 grandchildren. His memory will be cherished by his sister (Talitha Barber); ex-wife (Dorothy); Bernice; Jeanette; 21 children, easily over 80 grandchildren; and many great grandchildren. A host of nephews, nieces, in-laws, and extended relatives will remember him with immense love and great respect.