Ronnie Paul Johnson, age 77, of Beebe, passed away at Unity Health, Searcy, on June 28, 2023. He was born on January 19, 1946, at Monticello, Arkansas. Ronnie was a graduate of Glendale Public Schools (Lincoln Co.), and went on to attain his Bachelor’s degree from Arkansas A&M College, Monticello, (now UAM), then devoting most of his career as a girls basketball coach at Bradford Public Schools, following which he would spend two years as high school girls coach at Cabot Public Schools. He later accomplished his Master’s degree from UALR to become a high school principal at Griffithville, Parkin and Rose Bud High Schools. He retired from public-school education in 2008 after 30 years of coaching, always saying, “My girls won 858 games, and I lost 540.” Ronnie was a faithful and dedicated member of Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church in the Butlerville community, Lonoke County, for 44 years, but first and foremost he loved the Lord and the Lord’s church. He was known for his loving and generous spirit. He is survived by his wife (high school sweetheart) of 57 years, Jalynn Stevenson Johnson of the home; his son, Paul Timothy Johnson of Hot Springs Village, AR; one grandson, Collin T. Johnson of Fayetteville, AR; and one sister, Phyllis Rankin of Cabot, AR. He was preceded in death by his parents, L.M. and Pauline Pipkin Johnson; his in-laws, Rev. Fred G. and Lyda Johnson Stevenson; two brothers, Norman Wayne and Jim G. Johnson. Memorials may be made to the Greenwood Church building fund, 11228 Hwy 38, Ward, AR 72176. Visitation for Ronnie was held Sunday, July 2nd, from 2-4 p.m. at Smith- Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas 72012. Funeral servicewas 10 a.m. Monday, the 3rd, at Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church, 11228 Hwy. 38, Ward, AR 72176. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. View online registry at www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook. www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook.
