Larry Johnson

It is sure good to hear from you guys after all these years and I would really enjoy getting together. DLHS days were mostly good - we had some outstanding teachers and some whose example kinda fell apart.

After high school, I went to DLC for 2 years and then to UT in Knoxville for a year before being accepted to Auburn University Veterinary School for 4 years - which was probably the most enjoyable time in my life. I married my hometown honey, Karen Davis, after my sophomore year - got my DVM degree in 1970 and have been in practice here in Hendersonville for 35 years. I truly lived the "James Herriot" life 'til I had back surgery in 1981 and since then I just treat dogs and cats and really do enjoy it and hope to practice another 5 or 6 years.

We have 3 children and I am proud to say they are all Christians - Jesus and his church are important in their lives. Jim has a masters degree in Computer Info Systems which is quite impressive since he has cerebral palsy and is nonverbal and quadriplegic since 8 months of age. He got a standing ovation from the graduating ceremony when they wheeled him across the stage at the Murphy center at MTSU. He operates a computer with his chin. If any of you have need for help with any physically disabled people in your life, feel free to call on us - we've been through the course for 34 years. By the way he has brought more people to Christ than I probably ever will.

Kelli is an optometrist and attended Harding University and is married to Jeremy Johnson, a marriage and family counselor who works with Agape. They have a beautiful 6 month old girl, Bethany, and live here in Hendersonville.

Mandi attended Lipsomb University, is a 5th grade teacher, and married a 7 foot tall center on Lipscomb's team -Clancy Hall. They have 16 month old Savanna.

Needless to say the granddaughters are the light of my life and don't know it yet but they own every thing I have -they are such a joy.

I am a deacon at the Hendersonville Church of Christ and have been the song leader for about 15 years. But at the age of 60 I am about to give that up and do something else for the church. It surprises me now that I can lead singing for 1400 people but still have problems trying to speak before 10 - kinda like Mel Tillis!

Some of you might remember my brother Mont who was one and half years older than us (class of 1961).Sad to say that he died three years ago from cancer - that was hard to go through.

One of the most memorable trips I have ever been on was in 1997 with Rodney Cloud on a tour of the Holy Land. Barbara Menefee's husband was on that tour also and I enjoyed getting to know him.

For fun and relaxation I raise Laborador Retrievers and have had a duck hunting club in Stuttgart, Arkansas since 1984. I love to duck hunt and next to that is trout fishing in Montana!

I want to tell my dear friend, Ken Hadley, after all these years I am still sorry my horse reared up on you and broke your shoulder that Christmas holiday. Some things you just don't forget. I fondly remember all the times this old country boy relied on your parents hospitality - don't want to leave any out but I remember - Hadleys, Gregorys, Frames. Fosters, Dunns, Hoppers.

I still have to laugh when I remember Wayne Dunn's precious mom would always get after him when I visited and would say - why can't you make good grades like Bill? But now who has the last laugh as he is a famous contractor in Franklin!