Today, April 16, would’ve been Earl Johnson’s 69th birthday. Johnson, known in Peekskill and the Hudson River Valley as the Sole Man, died of a heart attack on March 31 while visiting his daughter in Schenectady, NY. His talents as a cobbler and artisan, along with cooking and disc jockeying, created a loyal, devoted fan base.
Earl’s Shoe Repair was housed in several locations in Peekskill, including a storefront on South Street across from the post office, a shop at the riverfront at the corner of Water Street and Hudson Avenue, and Welcher Avenue. All the shops were places where customers brought items to be repaired and stayed to visit. But he was perhaps best known for his workshop on wheels, a school bus converted into a moving repair shop. Johnson loved working with his hands and his talents weren’t limited to boots, shoes and pocketbooks.
An artist at heart, he had a knack for imaging creatures in driftwood that he collected from the banks of the Hudson. He would whittle and bring to life iguanas and swans from pieces of driftwood he found. He created benches, tables and even wine racks.
Born in 1956 in Kinston, North Carolina, to Thomas (Buck) and Lizell Rogers, he grew up in Brooklyn and the Bronx. His family eventually moved to Ossining, where he graduated from high school and met Doretha McLeod, who would become his wife of 51 years. He was predeceased by his brother Charles and sister Carolyn. He is survived by sisters Regina, Denise and Valerie Rogers of North Carolina and Betty Isler, also of North Carolina.
He was a jack of all trades, according to his daughter Sheree Johnson Gilchrest. “In his early years he was a DJ. He was the “go-to guy” for organizations that wanted to have someone cook for their events. His food truck, Earl’s Eats, operated out of Beacon, where he and his wife were living at the time of his death. He loved cooking and even built stainless steel grills to make food for cook-outs and picnics.
In addition to his daughter Sheree and husband Chris, he has four other children: Nikiah (Jason) Evans, of Schenectady, Earl Lee Evans of North Carolina, Lee Anthony (Casandra) McLeod of Beacon and India Evans of Schenectady.
Surviving grandchildren include Damieon, Eshonna, Raeshawn, Rahjear Evans and Paige Williamson of Schenectady, Zakiyah L. Johnson of Wappinger Falls, Bianca G. Gilchrest of Wappinger Falls, Lee Anthony McLeod, Jr of Virginia, Kaelyn Evans of Cortlandt Manor and Cairo Evans of North Carolina. Great grandchildren are Damieon Evans, Jr., Davion Evans, Kashton Evans and Za’layah Walton of Schenectady.
A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, May 24, at noon, at Maurer-Gerring Park, Fishkill.
