Jerry Mack Johnson, Sr.

Jerry Mack Johnson, Sr. completed his life’s work and went to be with the Lord, his father, his mother, his son, and many other relatives and friends on Saturday, September 6, 2014. He was 79-years-old at the time of his death. Jerry was a loyal husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, friend, teacher, coach, and educator. He was born in New Brockton, Alabama, on April 16, 1935, as the youngest child of David and Vannie Johnson. Jerry spent his youth working at various jobs, including harvesting cotton and tobacco in South Alabama. Jerry attended Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Alabama, where he played basketball, football, and baseball until he graduated in 1953. While at Enterprise High School, Jerry set numerous school and state records in basketball. He later attended Troy State University, where he played basketball and was on the tumbling team. He graduated from Troy with his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1957 and later earned his Master’s Degree from Troy. Jerry met his wife, the former Peggy Early of Samson, Alabama, at Panama City Beach in 1954, where they spent hours dancing at the former “Hang Out”. Later, they danced their way to the altar on March 7, 1959, and were married for 55 years until death they did part. Jerry and Peggy enjoyed spending many hours with their dear friends watching ballgames, fishing, hosting fish fries, teaching his children to water ski at their summer home on Lake Mystic, and spending yearly vacations at Panama City Beach with family, as well as taking yearly excursions with friends. They were the parents of three children: Jerry M. Johnson, Jr. “Jay” (deceased), Gloria Gay, and Jeff. Jerry was extremely involved in his children’s lives and enjoyed watching both Jay and Jeff play all sports at Liberty County High School and later watching Jeff play baseball at Gulf Coast Community College and the University of Central Florida. He was proud to see Gay cheer for the Bulldogs and compete in numerous beauty pageants, as well as being a leader of her Education Class at Florida State University. He instilled in his children a great work ethic and “never quit” attitude. Jerry was proud to have been able to see his oldest son, Jay, serve in the United States Air Force and then move back to Bristol, Florida, to raise his three sons. His son, Jeff, carried-on the family tradition by coaching football and baseball at Liberty County High School, and Jerry was proud to follow Jeff as he successfully served as the Head Baseball Coach at Chipola College for 18 years. Jerry spent many hours mentoring his daughter, Gloria Gay, who followed in his footsteps as a teacher, school administrator, and Liberty County Superintendent of Schools. Jerry took the responsibility of educating and coaching young people very seriously, and his love for them didn’t end when the school bell rang or when the last whistle was blown. He spent many hours talking with his students and players and mentoring them. He and Peggy provided housing for several young men during their teen years and kept their doors open to any child in the neighborhood who wanted an afternoon snack or a glass of iced tea, as well as enjoying over 50 children who stayed in Peggy’s home daycare service. Jerry loved spending time with his seven grandchildren and great grandson, including riding them all “piggy back”, taking them fishing and hunting, riding in the golf cart, and teaching them all how to swim and drive. Coaching was Jerry’s passion. Jerry began his career as a physical education teacher and football and basketball coach in Hartford, Alabama in 1957. He later accepted a coaching job in Opp, Alabama, until he, Peggy, and Jay moved to Bristol, Florida, in 1960. He coached basketball, football, and track at Liberty County High School and also taught physical education, driver’s education, and swimming lessons from 1960 until 1972, when he became the Principal of Liberty County High School. He proudly served as the Principal for 7 years until he was elected as Liberty County Superintendent of Schools in 1980 and served in this capacity until 1988. Jerry returned to the classroom in 1988 until he was elected again as Superintendent of Schools in 1992. He retired from education in 2000. His proudest accomplishments included taking his 1968-69 Football Team to the “Final Two” (Florida High School State Football Runner-Up), being instrumental in getting the Liberty County High School Athletic Facility built in 1975, and helping mold the lives of hundreds of students and student-athletes during his 40 year career in education. Jerry is survived by: Peggy E. Johnson (Wife); Gloria Gay Uzzell (Daughter); Jeff Johnson (Son) and wife Nancy; Cathy Johnson Goetz (Daughter-in-Law); Doris McDurmont (Sister); Tommy Johnson (Brother) and wife Dixie; and seven Grandchildren: Kyle; Joel; Christy; Lucas; Owen; Shelbie; and Cydney. The circle of life also includes one Great Grandchild: Camden, and a host of Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by David Johnson (Father) and Vannie (Mother), and his first-born son, Jerry M. Johnson Jr. “Jay”. Jerry was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bristol, Florida. He enjoyed his retirement years entertaining his buddies at his hunting camp near the Apalachicola National Forest, fishing, watching football, golfing, and chatting with his friends at the “Liar’s Table” at the Apalachee Restaurant (where there was never a dull moment). Final services will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at 11:00 AM (EST) at the First Baptist Church of Bristol, Florida. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, from 10:00 AM (EST) until the service time at 11:00 AM (EST) at the First Baptist Church. Todd Wahlquist of Bevis Funeral Home, (850)643-3636, www.bevisfh.com, is assisting the family with their arraragements.

Tributes

Jerry Mack Johnson, Sr.

April 16, 1935 - September 6, 2014