He was also preceded in death by the mother of his children, Murl Murphy Johnson; his second wife, Mae Proter Johnson; a brother Jimmy Gerald Johnson; a sister-in-law, Nancy Carol Johnson; and a brother-in-law, Sam Rankin.
He graduated from Drew Central High School (1950), the University of Arkansas at Monticello (Bachelor of Science, 1954), then Henderson State University at Arkadelphia (Master of Science, 1974). He taught and coached at Selma, Kingsland, Strong and Watson Chapel School districts, retiring in 1993. In addition to coaching several championship teams for girls and boys basketball, Coach Johnson served as a teacher, athletic director and assistant principal for 39 years. His 1959 Kingsland High School, men's basketball team, had an undefeated record.
He was a christian and a member of Watson Chapel Baptist Church.
Norman is survived by his wife of 19 years, JoAnn Harvey Johnson; two siblings, Phyllis Rankin of Harrison and Ronnie Johnson (Jalynn) of Beebe; two sons, Dwayne Johnson (Kathy) of Hot Springs and Darryl Johnson (Monie) of Little Rock; five stepchildren, Jack Porter (Rita) of Wilmar, Larry Rains (Pam) of Springdale, Dr. Danny Johnson (Cheryl) of Bryant, Leonard Johnson of Monticello and Myra Tate (Timothy)Van Buren. He is also survived by two grandchildren Blake Johnson (Lauren) of Jonesboro and Kristen Devers (Matt) of Bryant; two great grandchildren, Millie Johnson and Blair Devers; 10 step grandchildren; 13 step great grandchildren and one step great great grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the charity of choice.
Burial services will be Wednesday, August 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Ladelle Cemetery in Monticello, Arkansas. Reverend Steve Monk will be officiating. There will be a viewing at the cemetery at 1:30 p.m. preceding the service. Due to the current pandemic, there will only be graveside viewing and visitation immediately prior to the services. Please visit www.stephensondearman.com for more information and to sign the online guestbook.
Condolences(13)
Rodney Ratledge
Huntsville, AL Thursday, September 3, 2020 Coach Johnson was well respected and a great coach. Enjoyed his math classes and respected his coaching skills. Sounds like he had a good life. Sorry for your loss.Rodney Ratledge
James and Gladys Youngblood
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Not Johnson as listed before as James and GlDysSheila McCool
Rison, AR Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Coach Johnson was a true gem. He coached me at Kingsland, he impacted my life in so many ways. Coach was such a good person & great coach. I was only in junior high school when he left but every time I would see him, I would cal him coach & he would flash that great smile that would light up any room he was in. I’m so sorry for the families loss, hopefully my message will bring a smile to your faces.Jo Ann Stone Johnson
Fordyce, AR Saturday, August 29, 2020 I am so sorry for your loss. Norman Wayne was a very good friend of mine. Prayers for the family. May God give each of you peace, comfort and strength.Jo Ann Stone Johnson
Fordyce, AR
Bob Prestridge
Hot Springs, AR Thursday, August 27, 2020 Norman was a year behind me at Drew Central . He got the nickname "Kangroo" for his jumping ability. He was our bestBasketball player. My thoughts and prayers are with You.
CURTIS KEA
AURORA, CO Wednesday, August 26, 2020 COACH JOHNSON WAS THE ABSOLUTE BEST COACH I HAVE EVER KNOWN. WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE BEEN ON HIS KINGSLAND TEAMS. WE WERE ALWAYS THE BEST PREPARED TEAM. HE TAUGHT US THAT WITH HARD WORK WE COULD ACCOMPLISH THINGS BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS. COACH I WILL MISS YOU.Dianne Robinson
Pine Bluff, AR Tuesday, August 25, 2020 Please accept my sincere sympathy to all of the family.Shari
Searcy, AR Tuesday, August 25, 2020 So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all.Willard & Irene Crain
Beebe,, AR Tuesday, August 25, 2020 We are very sorry for your sadness at the death of you loved one. You are all in our prayers. Norman Wayne will be missed. We are happy to know where he is and that he is happy and with our family there in the Spirit World/ Heaven/ Paradise. May Heavenly bless you all in your grief and sadness and comfort you.Henry Turner
Morrilton, AR Tuesday, August 25, 2020 As a basketball coach in south Arkansas I had the opportunity to watch Kangaroo play and coach. "Kangaroo" was a perfect nickname for him as he was a tremendous jumper and a great player as well as coach. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time of loss. Henry TurnerJames and Gladys Johnson
Monticello, AR Tuesday, August 25, 2020 Norman Wayne was my Coach and my Good Friend at Selma. He carried us boys many places that we would have never got to go. He incouraged is to do our best in life. Our sympathy and love to his Family. Rest In Peace Coach !!Mike and Sandy Johnson
claremore, OK Monday, August 24, 2020 Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.Frances Bryant Welsh
bAREFOOT bAY, FL Monday, August 24, 2020 He was my coach at Kingsland, great guy, Rip , Mr. Johnson!