Mickey Johnson

Mickey Johnson, our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend got his wish to be at home surrounded by his family as he attained his Victory in Jesus. Mickey stepped into Heaven on January 30, 2013. He left this earth as he had lived his life making his family laugh, trying to help them, and assuring them over and over of his love. He taught us how to live well, and, at the end, how to die well.

Mickey Johnson was born on February 6, 1944 in Blytheville, Arkansas, to Raymond and Thelma Johnson. He grew up playing basketball in the neighborhood and thought he had the greatest childhood a boy could have. He was a basketball star in high school and continued using his talents as a star in college. He later coached in Fort Smith at Northside, Kimmons, Chaffin, and Southside, winning many games and awards along the way. He also coached at UCA in Conway, and was recently inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame. He finished his career in education as an administrator at Southside High School.

Mickey loved his work, but his greatest loves were God, his family, his friends, and the great outdoors. He took anyone that he could, especially his grandchildren, along with him to the lake, the woods, the ballpark, or anywhere that he could show them some fun. Then, those people became part of the stories that he regaled us all with anytime he was given a chance. He was one of a kind.

Mickey leaves behind, to join him later, his wife of 46 years, Donna, his daughter Wendy Taylor and husband Chris, his daughter Jill Rowland and husband Steve, and seven grandchildren, Caleb Taylor, Nathan Taylor, Anna Kate Taylor, Grace Ann Rothwell, Joe Rothwell, Jack Rowland, and Connor Rowland. We will miss him so.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mickey’s service will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, February 5th at First Baptist Church in Fort Smith with burial at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday, February 4th at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR.

The pallbearers will be four of his longtime buddies that he grew up with in Blytheville; Bobby Renfro, Richard Oates, Gene Atkinson, and Nathan Austin, and Steve Rowland and Dave Dixon from Fort Smith.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Peachtree Hospice.

To place an online tribute please visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.