William E. "Coach Bill" Johnson

Coach Bill Johnson, age 88, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, passed away Sunday morning April 14, 2013, at 2:45 a.m. at Lane Memorial Hospital in Zachary , LA. He was born January 22, 1925 in Kurthwood, LA. A World War II veteran, he served in the 6th Army 782nd Eng. Petr. Dist. Co. in the South Pacific during the Philippine Invasion. Coach Johnson graduated from LSU and returned to get a Masters Degree in Administration. He taught school in Tangipahoa and St. Tammany Parishes. He also coached basketball at Fifth Ward in Bush, LA. and Ponchatoula High School, compiling impressive winning records at both schools. From 1956 through 1964 he also coached football at Ponchatoula High School, enjoying great success in this sport as well. In 1964 he was appointed Director of Distributive Education and eventually Assistant Superintendent of Vocational Education for the State of Louisiana. He was a very progressive educator, along with his boss and lifelong friend, Bill Dodd, Superintendent of Education. Major reforms in education in Louisiana were ushered in under their direction. Integration and Vocational Education saw great strides during this era. Coach Johnson retired after 20 years, and for the next 43 years, dealt in real estate ventures. Nothing was too small or too big. Most notably organizing hunting clubs in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. He loved to hunt ,to fish, and being at the camp with family and friends. Preceded in death by his wife, Helen Virginia Dunkle Johnson; his parents, Oscar and Edna Johnson; his brother, Joe Johnson; and sisters Clarice Indest and Lucy Taylor. He is survived by sons, Willliam O. Johnson, Woodville, MS; George C. Johnson, Denham Springs, LA; John M. Johnson, Ponchatoula, LA; daughters, Margaret Porche, Metairie, LA and Sharon Flaccomio, Woodville, MS; ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Coach Johnson accepted Christ as his savior three years ago and has had a long association with the First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. The family would like to thank the numerous friends, relatives and ball players, who have been so kind as to include our father in their lives these last few years. Enough cannot be said of Kevin Braun's kindness and generosity. A visitation will be held on Wednesday April 17, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula. Services will be held on Thursday April 18, 2013 at 11:00 am at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Avenue of Flags 500 Pine St. Ponchatoula, LA 70454 An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.