Eric Ladon "Black" Johnson, the son of Thaddeus and Ella Sue Johnson, was born on April 25, 1975 in Anniston, Alabama. He accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Eric loved people and spending time with his family and friends. He was well known for wearing his shades.

Eric graduated from Anniston High School in 1993 and furthered his education at University of Alabama in Birmingham. He originally aspired to become a Medical Technologist, but later changed his major to Criminal Justice and pursued his studies at Jacksonville State University. During his time at JSU, his passion became cooking and that became his life-long profession.

Memories of Eric will forever be cherished by: his loving father, Thaddeus Johnson of Anniston, Alabama; the Apple of his Eye, his niece, Le'Ajah Sullivan of Anniston, Alabama; his siblings, Catrina (Greg) Horton of Huntsville, Alabama, Rodrick (Gina) Senderson of Montgomery, Alabama, Billy (Felicia) Smith, Raemil (Pasie) Williams, and Katrice (Hershel) Lewis, all of Anniston, Alabama; and a host of loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loved ones: Ella Sue Johnson, Tamea Johnson, Arlie Williams, and Lillian Ford.