Eddie Lee Johnson was born January 24, 1941, to the late Joshua Johnson and Annie Bell Harper – Johnson. He joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Pine Bluff and dedicated his life to Christ at a young age. After college, he joined the U.S. Army and lived in Oakland, CA for 16 years. On July 15, 1965, he married his first love Barbara Owens and they remained married for 43 years until her death in 2008. Eddie and Barbara had two wonderful sons. Missing home, Eddie and Barbara relocated back to Little Rock in 1981. His family joined First Baptist Higgins and he remained a faithful member until 2013.

On August 4, 2012, he married the second love of his life Claudine Woods Forte and they remained married until his death. He acquired two bonus children.

In 2013, Eddie relocated to Stephens, AR. He joined St. Matthew Baptist Church and faithfully served as a deacon, choir member, Sunday school member, and mission member.

Eddie worked at Pirelli Tire in Little Rock, AR as a Quality Control Inspector until his retirement. He later worked at Walmart in the Automotive Department. After retirement, he volunteered with McNeil All School Reunion in McNeil, AR until his health declined.

Eddie’s two siblings proceeded him in death, Joshua (Frances) Johnson Jr. and Carolyn (John) Williams. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his loving wife, Claudine Woods Forte-Johnson, and his children Gregory (Earnestine) Johnson, of Little Rock, AR; Michael Johnson of Benton, AR; Tonya (Vernon)Smith of Pine Bluff, AR; and Cedric (Kimberly) Darton of Houston, TX; and two bonus children Tamieka Forte-Daniels of Little Rock, AR and James Dexter (Coriss) Forte of Brandon, MS. Eddie has nine grandchildren, three bonus grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, as well as five sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, two aunts, many nieces and nephews, seven godchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Eddie was known to his family as Dad, Pop Pop, Mr. Johnson, Mr. J, Poppy Johnson and Million Dollar Man.