Johnny Coleman Jr.

1947 - 2025

JOHNNY COLEMAN, JR.

Johnny Jerome Coleman, Jr., age 78, passed away Wednesday August 27, 2025, at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Visitation will be Tuesday September 2 at 9:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at First Methodist Church in Columbus, MS, with Rev. Glenn Miller officiating. Graveside service and burial will be at 2:00 p.m. in Aberdeen, MS, at Odd Fellows Cemetery. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with all arrangements.

Johnny was born May 30, 1947, in Aberdeen, MS, to the late Johnny Jerome and Pauline Goodwin Coleman. He played football and basketball for the Aberdeen Bulldogs and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1965. Among his many school honors he was elected Mr. AHS by his classmates. He continued his pursuit of education at Mississippi State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1970 and Master of Education in 1991.

Johnny's passion for music began in his early teens. Having no formal music education, he had a unique natural ear for the sound of music. He was a member of the AHS Boys' Quartet; and at the age of 15 formed his first band, The Spyders. Dancing at the American Legion Hut in Aberdeen on Friday nights to the sounds of Johnny and The Spyders became a highlight for fellow classmates and teenagers in neighboring towns. At 16 he was singing R&B and rock and roll all across north MS in multiple bands, most notable Swing Shift, which he founded in 1985 and played with until he retired in 2022. He recorded three albums of original music and played at many famous local venues such as the Playmore Club, Southernaire Club, the Depot and local festivals like Market Street, Prairie Arts, Amory Railroad, Sounds of Summer-with the largest venue in 1990 being Go Fourth at Columbus Air Force Base with a crowd of 40,000 people.

Johnny's love of God began while growing up in the Primitive Baptist Church. In his early adult life he was a member of Central United Methodist and later joined First Methodist Church of Columbus. He shared his musical talents by singing in the church choirs and helping organize the FMC OASIS worship band. Johnny could easily be recognized in the choirs as his head "bobbed" to the beat of every song.

He was a hard worker who helped build the Columbus Lock and Dam. He loved working on and driving old VWs like his yellow VW Thing. Johnny was employed in various positions but found greatest satisfaction as a coach and teacher. Not only did he teach his students about the world of science, but he also served as an encourager and mentor. His winning personality spilled over into the classroom and made for interesting interaction with his students. He was known as a firm but fair teacher who always had a smile. Johnny retired after 34 years of employment in the Aberdeen and Columbus school systems and EMCC-CAFB.

Johnny is survived by his daughters Allicyn Hewett of Pearl, MS; Sarah Coleman of Melbourne, AU; sons John Coleman of Caledonia; Danny Walker of Memphis, TN; stepdaughter Katye

(Andy) Taylor of Chattanooga, TN; and stepson Clay Herring of Starkville; granddaughter Kalin (Zack) Asadi of New Hope and step-granddaughter Carter Taylor of Chattanooga, TN; one brother Dennis (Penny) Coleman of Columbus; nephew David (Christy) Coleman of Columbus; nieces Missy Coleman of Hernando; and Jennifer (Jon) Stone of Southaven.

He was preceded in death by his parents, former wife Karen Murff Coleman and late wife Molly Malone Coleman.

Pallbearers are Zack Asadi, Craig Blaylock, Bird Crane, Ben Ferrell, Tony Foster, Robin Roberts, Gary Shaw, Larry Young, and honorary pallbearer David Coleman.

The family extends its heartfelt appreciation and thanks to special caregiver Dorothy Bridges for her compassionate care, dedication and kindness.

Donations in memory of Johnny may be made to LeBonheur Children's Hospital, 848 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103.