Dave Ellis Johnson Jr.

1934 - 2023

Johnson Jr., Dave Ellis
Mr. Dave Ellis Johnson Jr, 89, of Jackson MI, passed away at home on Saturday, May 6, 2023 under the loving care of his family and hospice team from Careline. He is survived by his devoted daughter and son-in-law Lorri and William Hopson of Ypsilanti MI; son Albert Peterson (fictive kin) of Jackson MI; granddaughter Tegan (Michael) Mead of Houston TX; four grandchildren Emon, Tyler, Eva, and Bryce; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loyal friends. Dave was preceded in death by his parents Dave Ellis and Robbie (Haire) Johnson; his beloved wife of 58 years Gloria (Coppage) in 2014, his younger brother Nolan in 1972, and son Arzo Peterson (fictive kin) in 2017. Dave, Jr. was born on January 15, 1934 in West Helena AR. He was baptized at West Helena Baptist Church at an early age. Upon graduation from Eliza Miller High School in 1951 where he was an All-Star quarterback, Dave was awarded a football scholarship to Arkansas AM&N (now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1955. He returned to his high school alma mater as a physical education teacher and the football and basketball coach of his beloved Buccaneers. Coach Johnson led the football team to back-to-back state championships in 1958 and 1959. He spent the next twelve years coaching dozens of young men and women in both football and basketball at EMHS, helping to steer them toward opportunities for higher education and jobs. Dave spent five summers in Michigan during the early 1960's as Director of Exchange Playground on Jackson's south side. In 1966 the city began work on an indoor multi-purpose recreation facility. Dave's coaching and teaching experience combined with his six years as the Director at Exchange playground made him the ideal candidate for the position as the first Director of the newly constructed Bernie Magiera Recreation Center (now known as the Martin Luther King Center). And so, Dave and his family departed Arkansas on October 31 and arrived in Michigan during the historic blizzard of 1966. In his new role, Dave continued to mentor and provide guidance to neighborhood youth while developing programs and managing daily activities. In 1968 he began making a career transition when he accepted a position in Personnel at Consumers Power Company. Although his focus was shifting professionally, he never lost sight of his commitment to helping others in this new role through college recruiting (including HBCUs) and hiring. Dave was named to the new position of Civic Affairs Consultant in 1971 where he was instrumental in improving community relations in the Eastern Region of Consumers. In 1973, Dave transferred to Flint as Urban Affairs Director and held various positions in Public Affairs and Communication Services before retiring as Director of Economic Development in 1989. Dave's volunteerism included a wide range of civic and nonprofit organizations. He served on numerous boards, e.g., the Urban League of Flint and the United Way of Genesee County. Dave was a lifetime member of the National Urban League, NAACP, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. The Johnsons retired to Phoenix AZ where Dave, an avid golfer, enjoyed playing the many beautiful courses across the Valley. Dave also loved to cook for family and friends, especially his signature baby back ribs. Other hobbies included traveling, fishing, reading, and listening to jazz. In 2003 they made the decision to return to Jackson permanently so they could be closer to family. The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care provided by Careline Hospice and the dedicated family members and faithful friends that assisted in Dave's care during his extended illness. Arrangements are being handled by Burden-Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home, 1806 East Michigan Avenue, Jackson MI. Visitation is at the Funeral Home on Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 4:00-7:00PM. Services will be held at Lily Missionary Baptist Church, 1117 W.G. Wade Drive, Jackson MI on Friday, May 12, 2023. Family hour is 10:00AM followed by the Funeral at 11:00AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:
The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA)
912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Suite 205
Lilburn, GA 30047