Avis E. Johnson Jr.'s Obituary
Avis E. Johnson , Jr. was born May 23, 1934, in Fort Worth, Texas, to parents Avis E. Johnson and Annie Laurie Johnson. He graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1952, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956 and a Masters degree in 1958 from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. He was a member and Pledge President of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. In 1957 and 1958, Avis Johnson was one of the most dominating fast-pitch softball pitchers in UT intramural history. 1957 and 1959 highlight Avis’ intramural career that also involved football, basetball, and volleyball. He also participated in five International Softball League World Series. After graduation, Avis began a very successful career in the insurance industry with the following companies: Allstate Insurance Company from 1961 until 1980 where he was Operations Manager for the Western Commercial Region servicing the 13 Western states; Mutual Service Insurance from 1980 until 1983 as Vice President in charge of Operations; Old American County Mutual, Union Pacific and Guaranty County Mutual from 1983 until 1987 as the Chief Executive Officer; Combined Independent Agencies from 1987 until 1992 where he served as President and stockholder of Combined Management and officer and stockholder of the other Combined Companies. In 1993, he retired from corporate life and began a successful career as an entrepreneur and management consultant. Avis was an avid golfer and sports fan and loved to share his joy of entertaining with family and friends. He was a charter member of Stonebriar Community Church and was the Class Administrator of the Marathon Sunday School Class from 2002 to 2003. Avis is survived by wife, Sondra; son, David and wife, Mary; and grandchildren, Kirk and Julian. He is preceded in death by his son, Douglas. The graveside service for Avis will be at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at Restland Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75238.
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