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Carlton Murray Johnson
June 23, 2025
Carlton Murray Johnson, Sr., 86, of Atmore, AL, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, in his home with family by his side. Murray was born in Conecuh County, AL, on August 20, 1938. He was the son of John Calvin and Bertha Owens Johnson. In addition to his parents, Murray was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Johnson, and son-in-law, Jose Tomas Resa.
Murray is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Jean Hanks Johnson; his son, Carlton Murray Johnson, Jr. (Kim), and his daughters, Susan Johnson Powell (Chris), and Sandy Johnson Resa; grandchildren, Kathryn Powell Turner (Jake), Carlton Murray Johnson, III, Caroline Jean Powell Davis (Jarrett), Nicolas Morales Resa, John Calvin Johnson (Taylor), Elizabeth Johnson Murray (Jackson), Christian Samuel Johnson; great grandchildren, Marlee Kate Turner, William Mason Turner, and Grayson Jack Murray.
Murray and Jean met during their junior year at Evergreen High School, where Murray was a proud member of the football team and Jean was a cheerleader. Their bond grew strong, and as seniors, they were voted “Cutest Couple” by their classmates. After graduating in May 1956, they married just a few months later on September 21, 1956, beginning a life of love that lasted a lifetime.
Murray attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, and graduated in March 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He was a member of Auburn’s first graduating class under its new name. Murray was a member of Pi Sigma Epsilon, a national professional business fraternity. An avid AUBURN TIGERS fan, Murray was a member of the FOY Society along with Tigers Unlimited. When he was unable to attend football games, he continued to enjoy providing this Saturday experience for his family.
After graduation, Murray began his professional career with Gulf Development in Mobile, Alabama. He was later recruited by Liberty National Life Insurance Company and moved back to Evergreen. In 1963, he was transferred to Atmore, Alabama, where he and Jean made their home. Murray worked for Liberty National until 1981, at which time he established his own private insurance practice, Murray Johnson Insurance. He managed the health and life insurance needs for the City of Atmore for decades until his passing.
Murray’s commitment to youth sports in Atmore was unmatched. In 1968, he co-founded the Atmore Pee Wee Football League and served as its president for many years. That same year, he became involved with the local baseball league, where he coached and mentored young athletes. In 1973, Murray became president of both the Atmore Cal Ripken League and the Atmore Babe Ruth League, serving in those roles until 2023. He held the position of Babe Ruth League District Commissioner for Area 10 for an incredible 52 years. Murray oversaw and organized numerous district and state baseball tournaments, creating opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talents and fostering a sense of community among players, coaches, and families.
His civic contributions extended beyond sports. Murray was a past president of the Atmore High School Quarterback Club and served as Drive Chairman and board member of the Atmore United Fund. He was also a dedicated member of the Atmore Education Revenue Committee from 1971 to 2003. His passion for healthcare advocacy led him to serve as county co-chair for the Lurleen B. Wallace Cancer Center Hospital in Birmingham. In 2016, Murray received the Atmore Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award.
Murray Johnson’s life was defined by his unwavering dedication to his family, community, and the young people whose lives he helped shape through sports and mentorship. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the lasting institutions he helped build.
A celebration of life for Murray Johnson will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, 310 S. Main Street, Atmore, AL. Visitation will be held from 1:30 PM until service time at 3:00 PM. Johnson will be buried at Magnolia Cemetery, Magnolia Street, Evergreen, AL.
Pallbearers will be Carlton Murray Johnson, III, Nicolas Morales Resa, John Calvin Johnson, Christian Samuel Johnson, Jerry Wayne Harrelson, William Jake Turner, Jarrett Lance Davis, and Jackson Freeman Murray.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the City of Atmore Recreation Department, P. O. Drawer 1297, Atmore, AL 36504.
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