Frederick Earl Johnson III

Frederick Earl Johnson III, known to all as “Earl,” of Richland Springs, Texas, passed away on June 4, 2026, at the age of 77.

Funeral services will take place at Central Baptist Church (1416 N Texas Ave.) in Odessa on June 11, 2026, at 11am with Vaughny Taylor officiating, with a reception to follow at the church.

Born on August 8, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland, Earl lived a life defined by hard work and loyalty, resulting in a true Texas cowboy. After graduating from Ector High School in 1966, he served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1974, where he gained the discipline and commitment that would guide him throughout his life. After his time spent and served in Korea, Earl returned to Texas and built a career in the oil and gas industry while also pursuing his greatest passion—cowboying. Being horseback and working cattle was not just what he did, but who he was. He deeply respected the ranching lifestyle, and it shaped the rhythm of his days and the values he carried. Horses were far more than a companion to him; they were part of who he was, and the ranch was where he felt most at home. Those who knew him will remember the quiet way he handled a hard day’s work, and the way he never needed many words to show what mattered most.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Gertrude Johnson and sister Linda Lyon, along with Allison Johnson and his grandson Colton Miller.

He is survived by his wife, Becky Johnson; daughter Melissa Johnson and wife Tatia Wood of Flower Mound, Texas; sons Jason Miller and wife Kayla of Andrews, Texas; Jared Miller and wife Meagan of Odessa, Texas; and daughter Amy Johnson of Lewisville, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jason Miller, Landyn Wright, Triniti Trevino, Kaylene Miller, Emily Miller, Bree Paredez, and Tayson Miller. He leaves behind his brother Donnie Johnson and wife Diana of Odessa, Texas; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is deeply cherished and will be forever remembered by his lifelong best friend Charlie and wife Frances Grisham, who shared many years of love and endless memories.

Earl’s life was rooted in the ranch—riding horses and working cattle under the Texas skies. In his final days, and in the memory of those who knew him best, Earl is remembered for taking his “last ride”—not as an ending, but as a cowboy’s final journey home across the open range he spent his life honoring.

Pallbearers: Bobby Franklin, Rusty Franklin, Patrick Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Jason Miller, Jared Miller, Jason Miller, Landyn Wright and Tayson Miller.