Johnny Lee Crain was born on October 9, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Willie and Estella Crain. He was the fourth of nine children; preceded in death by all but his older sister Doris Griffin. He was married for 55 years to Levern (Lewis) Crain who preceded him to glory in 2005.
As a young man, Johnny moved to Louisiana where he met and married Levern Lewis. Their union was blessed with four children: Brenda Crain Walker, Johnny Lee Crain Jr., Thomas Michael Crain and Romel Dontez Crain. Romel, the youngest son passed on in March 2013.
In his earlier years, though working daily to support his growing family, Johnny found time to sing in a successful gospel band, The Golden Inspirators. They existed off and on for over three decades. Thru their music, the inspirators were able to both uplift and inspire all who listened. Johnny, the lead singer of the band was a God-fearing Christian with a joyful love of life that was felt whenever you were around him or heard him sing.
Eventually Johnny and Levern moved their family to California where Johnny became employed at General Motors. He remained there until the plant closed in 1969. In 1970, he became a dispatcher for the Milpitas Police Department. In 1973, he became an officer on the force, where he remained until his retirement (medical) in 1984.
After retirement, Johnny became more involved in three things: God, Family and the San Francisco Forty-Niners. Thru its fundraisers and other drives to the Worship Team’s various musical performances, the church could always count on Johnny for his support; financially and spiritually. And though he’d be at the Sunday services, he’d somehow keep track of the football scores as they happened throughout each and every football season.
Johnny is survived by his three children and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We are all blessed to have had Johnny in our lives. His legacy lives on thru our many cherished memories.
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