FORDYCE — Max Johnson,

88, of Fordyce passed away Sunday, September 18, 2022. He was born May 11, 1934, in Leachville, Ark., to the late Gurvis L. and Cassie Nelson Johnson.

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Jean Atkins Johnson; his grandson, Joshua Johnson; his son, Glenn Ballard; and his daughter-in-law, Reba Ballard.

Max founded Johnson Sale Company in 1973 and Johnson’s Warehouse Showroom in 1976. Max, with his brother John Johnson and son Kent Johnson, was an innovative industry leader in the South Arkansas home furnishings industry. He was the Arkansas Home Furnishings Association 2012 Dealer of the Year. He also served on the board of directors for the Arkansas Rental Dealers Association. He was inducted into the 2013 Hall of Fame of the Drew Central School District. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Max Johnson was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church in Fordyce, Ark.

He is survived by his son, Kent Johnson (Terri) of Fordyce; his daughter-in-law, Lindsey Strickland of Monticello; his brother, John Johnson (Wilma) of Fordyce; his sister, Alice Jordan of Monticello; two grandchildren, Kayla Griffin (Tyler) and Hunter Johnson (Avery), both of Monticello; and nine great-grandchildren, Hunter Griffin, Anna Kate Ross, Jacks Johnson, Max Johnson, Jace Griffin, Natalie Griffin, Piper Johnson, Kolbie Johnson (and his mother Whitney Howard), and Pilot Johnson.

Visitation will be Tuesday morning from 10-11 a.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. at the Benton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Bobo and Rev. Lance Hollis officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .