Birth Date: 05/11/1935
Deceased Date: 07/04/2023
Smithfield – Donald (Don) Billy “Coach” Johnson, age 88, went to his eternal home, entered the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, and is now kneeling and worshiping at the feet of Jesus. Don was born on May 11, 1935, to the late Moses Monroe and Della Messer Johnson in Harnett County. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Moses, Pauline, J.B., Charles, Stacy, Roy and Evaline.
Don graduated from Dunn High School and grew up attending Red Hill Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church in Coats. After receiving a baseball scholarship to Elon College, Don graduated with a BS degree in English and later received his master’s degree in administration from East Carolina University. During his education career, he taught English and coached all forms of High School sports at Stoneville High School, Weldon High School, Cape Fear High School, Northampton County High School, and Gaston High School, respectively. After his retirement, he continued his support of education by serving as a member of the Northampton County Board of Education for 24 years, including numerous years as Chairman.
Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a father figure to thousands of student athletes through the years. He was a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2014 for his many educational accomplishments. Don had a passion for serving the Lord and taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was a Chairman of the Administrative Board at Jackson United Methodist Church in Jackson, NC. His true joy was working with and teaching children’s Sunday School classes with his wife Dodo.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church of Smithfield, located on South 4th Street, Smithfield, NC. Being one who hated to wear a necktie, Don requested everyone please come in casual attire and prepare to put the “fun” in funeral. Also, be prepared to share lots of memories and stories about Coach Johnson.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Isadora “DoDo” Johnson, sons, Chris Johnson (Kim) of Smithfield, Al Johnson (Laura) of Hershey, PA, daughter, Donna Michael (John) of Smithfield, sisters, Pat Hardison of Coats, Jean Webb of Manassas, VA, grandchildren, Quinton, Will (Sara), Caroline, Davis, Owen, Sam, Campbell, Greyson, Eva, Della, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be sent to either Red Hill Pentecostal FWB Church at 5355 Red Hill Church Road, Coats, NC, 27521, or Coastline Women’s Center, PO Box 3325, Myrtle Beach SC 29578.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.parrishfh.com.
