Obituary | Donald Billy Johnson of Smithfield, North Carolina

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Smithfield – Donald (Don) Billy “Coach” Johnson, age 88, went to his eternal home, entered the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, and now kneels and worships at the feet of Jesus. He was born May 11, 1935, to the late Moses Monroe and Della Messer Johnson in Harnett County. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Moses, Pauline, JB, 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 a master’s degree in Administration from East Carolina University. During his career in education, he taught English and coached all forms of High School sports. Covered Stoneville High School, Weldon High School, Cape Fear High School, Northampton County High School, and finished his career at Gaston High School. Don was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and father figure to thousands of student athletes over the years. He was a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2014 for his many educational achievements. Don had a passion for serving the Lord and taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was chairman of the administrative board at Jackson United Methodist Church in Jackson NC. Her true joy is working and teaching children’s Sunday School classes with her husband Dodo.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church of Smithfield, located on South 4th Street, Smithfield NC. Not wanting to wear a necktie, Don asks that everyone come in casual attire and prepare to put “fun” on the funeral. Also, be prepared to share many 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

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