Hugh Karl Johnson

Hugh Johnson of Hoover, Alabama, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026. He was born on February 8, 1934, in Rockford, Illinois. During his high school years, Hugh developed a lifelong love of football-one that would shape both his career and his character.

After graduating from high school, Hugh attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, where he was a four-year letterman on the football team. It was there that he met the love of his life, Margery"Midge" Johnson. Together, they shared 71 years of marriage, marked by unwavering devotion, partnership, and love.

Following college, Hugh enlisted in the United States Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) program and served as an artillery officer with the 10th Marines, based at Camp Lejeune. His military service reflected the same discipline, leadership, and commitment that defined the rest of his life.

After completing his service, Hugh and Midge returned to Rock Island, where he began a long and impactful career in education and athletics. He started as a teacher at Edison Junior High School while also serving as an assistant coach for the Augustana Vikings. The following year, he became the football and basketball coach at Edison. A few years later, Hugh moved to Rock Island High School, where he taught history and coached sophomore football and basketball. In 1976, he was named head varsity football coach. During his tenure, he had the special honor of coaching his son, Mike, and in 1978 led the team to its first-ever Illinois state playoff appearance. Throughout his career, Hugh was a dedicated teacher, coach, and mentor to hundreds of students and student-athletes.

After retiring from coaching, Hugh enjoyed traveling, researching genealogy, and proudly watching his son play college football. In later years, he took immense joy in cheering on his grandsons, Ben and Jeff, as they competed in high school and college football. Hugh deeply adored his grandchildren. His first grandchild, Jaime, affectionately named him "Papa Hoo," a nickname later lovingly shortened to "HoHo" by her daughters, Madison and Payton.

Nine years ago, Hugh and Midge relocated to Hoover, Alabama, to be closer to their oldest daughter, Debbie, and her husband, Wayne. Shortly thereafter, Jaime and her family also moved to Alabama, bringing even more joy to Hugh's life. Having so much of his family nearby was a true blessing, allowing him to share countless meaningful moments together. While in Alabama, Hugh enjoyed attending the Regions Tradition Golf Tournament each year and proudly became an Alabama Crimson Tide fan—Roll Tide Roll!

Hugh is survived by his beloved wife, Midge; his sister, Mary (Tom) Vandenbergen; his daughter, Debbie (Wayne) Benson; and his son, Mike (Pam) Johnson. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jaime (Gerry) Lau, Jeff (Jenelle) Benson, Garrett (Kelly) Thoms, Alexis Thoms, and Ben (Jess) Johnson; as well as nine great-grandchildren: Adam and Isabella Thoms; Zoey and Hailey Steger; Beau, Rex, and Shay Johnson; and Madison and Payton Lau.

Hugh Johnson lived a life defined by service-to his country, his community, and his family. His legacy of leadership, honor, and devotion will live on in all those he taught, coached, and loved.

Semper Fidelis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 4887 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242 with a service to follow in his honor at 2:30 pm.