Levin grew up in Warren, Arkansas, and graduated from Warren High School excelling in basketball and football. Out of High School, he served in the Navy during the Korean War. He enrolled on the GI Bill and graduated from Arkansas A&M College (UAM) in Monticello where he played basketball and football. He married Sue Handley of Monticello in 1957 while still in college and had two sons. Upon graduation he coached basketball in Class A, Wilmot, Arkansas (a small town that was dear to his heart) for 18 years compiling a record of 433 wins and 149 losses, winning 19 county, district, and other tournaments. In 1976 they were the Runner-up in the Class A State Tournament, and the same year was head coach for the East High School All-Star Basketball team, was inducted into the Ashley County Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, was honored at the Slack LaGrande/Wilmot Alumni Reunion in 2003 and was inducted into the UAM Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1956 AIC Championship team in 2010. Levin started his very successful second career with Farm Bureau Insurance Company as an Agent in Ashley County and moved up to Lincoln County Agency Manager earning all the sales awards that could be achieved during his career before he retired.
Please remember, any day was a good day at the track (Oaklawn) whether you win or lose. He was known to all in our family as Pop and always will be. Levin and Sue traveled extensively during his years with Farm Bureau seeing the world and all it holds. They moved to the farm when he retired in 1995 and have been there ever since. There are many memories that are cherished by all that knew him. Family, friends, and former players whom he helped mold and give them direction as their life lay ahead of them. Many who, to this day, stayed in contact with Coach Johnson.
Levin is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sue Handley Johnson, his two sons: Jeff Johnson (Julie and her family Lauren, J.C., Reed, and Grace), and Craig Johnson (Lydia) both of Little Rock; five grandchildren: Jill Kilil (Fred), Anna Johnson, Molly Johnson, Ethan Johnson (Madison), Ella Johnson. Also, by 5 great-grandchildren, by his sister, Joann Stuart (James) of Sherwood, Arkansas, and by many nieces, nephews, and extended family that will miss him.
The family would like to extend a great expression of gratitude for the team at Arkansas Hospice that helped us through these past few months. and to Belle View Nursing and Rehab for their gentle and loving care. Jamie Handly Branch, you can never be thanked enough for your time, and your loving care when you were needed. Thank you.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Monticello, 317 South Main St., Monticello, AR 71655
Visitation will be held Friday, January 26th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Stephenson Dearman Funeral Home, 943 US-425, Monticello, AR 71655. Graveside service will be held Saturday, January 27th, at 11:00 a.m. in Oakland Cemetery in Warren, Arkansas officiated by Pastor Bryan R. Diffee. For online guest register, please visit www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(20)
Paula Johnson Tooke
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 28, 2024 Aunt Sue, Craig, Jeff and families,I was so sad to hear of the passing of Uncle Levin. I find peace and I know that you do, too, in knowing the reunion he is having in Heaven with all of his friends and family that are there waiting on him to rejoice in the Lord together. I hoped that I could come pay my respects and see everyone, but my body told me differently. Love you all so very much and if there is anything that Jimmy and I can do for y'all, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Kelly West Fisher
Bella Vista, AR Thursday, January 25, 2024 Ms.Sue, Jeff and Craig,I'm so sorry to hear about Coach Johnson. He was such a fine man, and I know he will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love - Kelly
John Goodman
Hot Springs, AR Thursday, January 25, 2024 What a legacy your Dad left! Ruth & I send our condolences.James Robertson
Hamburg, AR Thursday, January 25, 2024 I wasn’t fortunate enough to know Mr. Johnson, but Ray Cossey told me that Mr. Johnson coached him & Ray thought very highly of him. Prayers for family & friends.Paulette Johnson
Fordyce, AR Wednesday, January 24, 2024 My thoughts and prayers are with all families. Love you all.Alice Cossey Albright
Ozark, AR Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Johnson Family,I am so sorry for your loss. What an icon for sports leadership and such a contributor to the development of some outstanding humans. He was always kind to us and we certainly had great respect for him.
Once, when I was about 9 or 10, our class was raising money for cystic fibrosis. I asked Coach for a donation and he told me if I could spell it, he'd give me money. I think he was surprised that he had to pay up.
Prayers for your comfort and thank you for sharing him with so many people.
Janie (Rabb) & Larry Fuller
Haymarket, VA Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Sue & FamilyWe are so sorry to learn of Levin’s passing.
As honored long time friends of you & Levin, we loved him too. Levin was such a gentle & kind hearted man-always helping others in need. His students he taught & Coached admired him. We share so many happy memories at Wilmot & Monticello.
May God continue Blessing your great Family & give you loving comfort during this time.🙏🏻❤️
Janie (Rabb) & Larry Fuller
Donnice Barham (hambone)
Wilmot, AR Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Loved him for many years as one of his basketball players. He gave me the nickname of hambone. I still use it today. Last school reunion we spent about an hour reminiscing.Charles Coleman
El Dirado, AR Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Thoughts and prayers for Levin’s family.It was great to have known Levin, just a great person, the ultimate competitor, Susie and I send our condolences.
Gerald Jones
Jacksonville, AR Tuesday, January 23, 2024 My thoughts and prayers are with all of Levin's family. I treasure the time we spent together at Ark. A&M, in the coaching events, officiating for and with him. We were friends for many years and that will remain with forever. Blessings and condolences to the family.Debbie Woosley
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Steve and I are so sorry to hear about Mr. Levin’s passing. He was one of a kind and influenced so many young people. Love to all the family.James Handley
greensboro, NC Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Sue,I am sorry to hear about Levin. God bless you and the family.
Debbie Gilbert
Star City, AR Tuesday, January 23, 2024 So sorry to hear the loss of Mr. Levin. There was no one like him.😀. Please know the family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort now and in the days ahead.Prayers,
Debbie & Gaylen
Pat Allison
Fountain Hill, AR Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Craig, Jeff and family. Sorry for your loss.I remember those Wilmot-Ft Hill games and coaches Johnson and Gregory trying to get another win. Man, those were the days.
R. I. P. Coach Johnson
Rick Donham
Monticello, AR Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Jeff, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayersCarolyn Kitchen Bell
Sebastopol, CA Tuesday, January 23, 2024Heartfelt condolences to the Johnson Family. May the Spirit of God bring comfort in this hour.🙏🏽
Many memories from being at Wilmot High School. Practice in the gym, playing basketball on the girl’s team and Coach Johnson teaching me to drive in Driver’s Education class are a few of them!
Blessings and peace!💕
Kay Montgomery Barthol
Wilmot, AR Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Mrs. Sue, Craig and Jeff,Heaven gained another angel when Coach Levin Johnson arrived. Even though it has been years since I saw him, I will never forget how special he was to so many people. To know him was to love him.
Prayers for Peace and Comfort for you all.
Dot Cossey Zaunbrecher
Benton, AR Monday, January 22, 2024 Mrs.Sue, Craig and Jeff,So sorry to hear that Coach Johnson passed.
Love, hugs and prayers fir all of you!
KATY HARTLEY
Hamburg, AR Monday, January 22, 2024 So sorry for your loss ❤️❤️Katy Hartley
Hamburg, AR Monday, January 22, 2024 Sue and boys (😊) I am so sorry about Levin love all of you ❤️❤️