Johnny Dorvis Crain, Sr

May 9, 1944 - August 30, 2026

Johnny D. Crain, Sr 82 years old, passed away into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the early morning hours at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA. Johnny was a member of Ben's Ford Baptist Church and in his younger years was a member at Union Avenue Church. His home was always open to family and friends. He was devoted to family and was a generous servant to the community.

Johnny was born on May 9, 1944, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and father-in-law. Johnny was married to Peggy Stillwell Crain, and they were High School Sweethearts. Johnny was best known for his honesty, faithful heart, caring and giving nature, and loyal public servant. Johnny was fondly known as "Big Paw Paw". Big Paw Paw's door was open 24 hours, where memories were made and grandkids were spoiled.

Johnny was raised in a good Christian home with 15 brothers and sisters, who all grew up in the Bogalusa Housing Project. Johnny was a hard worker all his life. His first job was peddling newspapers in the morning and evening and also worked a snowball stand. He worked through high school years at Wesley Grocery Store. He worked 12 years at Crown Zellerbach Motor Wall (Bag & Box Factory) as a sewing machine mechanic, where he started the local union and was instrumental in merging the black and white local unions during the civil rights era. He served on the Police Jury for 16 years. He was elected as the Washington Parish Clerk of Court for 20 years, where he was unopposed and only had to run a race his 1st term. In 1975 he was awarded the Distinguished Young Man Award. Johnny served the community by residing on several boards which included: Bogalusa Little League (20 plus years), QUAD Area Board (20 years), Zellco Federal Credit Union (8 years), and Bogalusa Housing Authority Board (20 years).

Johnny is survived by his loving sons and daughters-in-law; Johnny Crain, Jr and wife Tammy Thomas Crain; Brian Crain and wife Samantha Dykes Crain, all of Varnado, Louisiana. Nurturing Grandfather to Janna Crain, Jonathan & Kirsten Crain, Johnny D. Crain, III (Marissa), Joshua Crain, Madison Crain, James H. Stillwell, and Jacob Stillwell. Four Great-Grandkids: John Robert Dorvis Crain, IV, Stone Brooke Crain, Luke Crain, and Axel Magee. Johnny is survived by one brother Lester and wife Tillie Crain of Abita Springs, LA, one sister-in-law Sheila Crain of Bogalusa, La; one brother-in-law James H. Stillwell, Jr. and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Peggy Stillwell Crain and his parents the late Mart and Annie Ingram Crain. Five brothers and sister in laws: James Crain, Preston & Betty Crain, Horace & Mae Crain, David Crain and Ricky Crain & Wanda Crider; and seven sisters: Alice & Clyde Terrell, Darlene & Jerry Gerald, Claudia Branch, Winnie & Charles Netto, Elgie & Dewayne Taylor, Linda Nell & Roy Duncan, Annette Batson, and Doris Crain. His late mother and father-in-law James H. and Letha Stillwell, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Berkley and Joyce Thomas.

Active Pallbearer: Jonathan K. Crain, Johnny D. Crain, III, John Robert Crain, IV, Joshua A. Crain, James H. Stillwell, III, Jacob B. Stillwell, & Don Ingram.

Honorary Pallbearer: Charles Mizell, Will Branch, Sam Cefelu, Charles Ingram, Hartford Owens, James Stevenson, Richard Thomas, Randy Seal, Ricky Dale Crain, Brillo Wheat, Harold Keith Thomas, James H. Stillwell, Jr., Darryl Miley, Gary Morris, Ryan Seal, Jason Smith, Kenny Wilson, Mack McGehee, Robert Nielson, Steven Gneco, Bryan Genco, Johnny Ray Spears, and Josh Spears.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Bogalusa Dialysis Center, and the Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held at Ben’s Ford Baptist Church in Bogalusa, LA with the wake on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and continue Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 9:00 am until 11:00 am until the funeral services at 11:00 am. Reverend Caleb Martin with Ben’s Ford Baptist Church in Bogalusa, La, Reverend Brother Jerry Wayne Cox of Faith Tabernacle Church in Franklinton, LA, and Reverend Roam Crain from Cookeville, TN officiating. Interment immediately following at Ponemah Cemetery, Bogalusa, LA. 

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Ben’s Ford Baptist Church.