Ralph T. Johnson

He was preceded in death by his parents, Velma and Levi Johnson, and his first wife, Julia Hope Mills Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Janet Johnson; one daughter & son-in-law, Jennifer Hope & Scott Gordy of LaGrange; two sons and daughters- in-law, Wayne & Donna Johnson of St. Simons, GA and Lane & Sherri Johnson of St. Mary, FL; one step son, Jacob Phillips and Sarah Reese of Chesapeake, VA; one step daughter, Sarah Allison Phillips of Auburn, AL; 10 grandchildren, Stephen & Will Johnson, Mark & David Johnson, Jordan & Taylor Lang, Brynli Phillips, Logan & Hailey Reese, and Scott A. Gordy II and Christy; his brother, Hollis Johnson of Carrollton, GA; a nephew, Bruce Johnson and his family of Atlanta, GA; a niece, Jill Hubboch and her family of Ohio; and cousin Gary & Linda Johnson; along with many other extended family members.

Ralph graduated from LaGrange High School, where he was an outstanding athlete who excelled in basketball and was the recipient of the All State Basketball Award. He received a scholarship to attend Young Harris College, where he earned his Associate of Arts in Education degree and continued his outstanding career in basketball. While at Young Harris College, he was the captain and top scorer on the Southeastern Basketball championship team and earned the All State Basketball Award for two consecutive years, as well as the All Southeastern Basketball Award. He served as Spat Club President, Sophomore Class President, and was a member of the President’s Advisory Committee. After his 2 years at Young Harris College he transferred to LaGrange College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education degree and continued to excel in basketball. In 2002 he was honored by being inducted into the LaGrange College Sports Hall of Fame.

Upon graduating from LaGrange College, Ralph began his distinguished, 40 year career in education with the Troup County School System. As a teacher and coach at Troup High School he excelled, not only on the basketball court but also, in the classroom. He was an exemplary social studies teacher, acknowledged by his being named Star Teacher, as well as his being recognized with the LaGrange Outstanding Educator Award. He served as head basketball coach from 1960-1970 where he compiled an impressive record, two region championships and eight state tournament appearances in 10 years. He was named Region Coach of the Year in 1966, 1968 and 1969. He served as assistant principal and athletic director at Troup High School from 1965-1970, until he was tapped as principal in 1970. Ralph served as principal of Troup High School until 1993. During his tenure as principal he facilitated the merger of Troup High School and West Point High School; was the catalyst for purchasing the first computers in the Troup County School System; implemented the first computerized scheduling program in the TCSS; developed an individual student advisement system that was studied and duplicated by other systems across the state of Georgia; and coordinated the design and opening of Troup County Comprehensive High School. Ralph was known by his faculty and students for his motivational messages and lived his life by “Dare to be the best you can be!” In 1993 he moved to Central Office as assistant superintendent for facilities, where he facilitated the construction of Callaway High School and Long Cane Middle School and the renovations of Cannon Street Elementary School. Ralph served in that position until his retirement in 1997.

During his career in education he continued his own education and earned his Masters of Education degree from Georgia State University and his Educational Specialist degree from West Georgia State University. He was an active member and served in a variety of positions in many professional organizations including the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (charter member), the Georgia Association of Education Leaders, the Georgia Association of School Superintendents, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals, the Georgia Coaches Association (region president 17 consecutive years), Phi Kappa Delta Chapter, Young Harris College Alumni Foundation, and the Troup County Retired Educators Association (president for 12 years).

Not only was Ralph Johnson an outstanding athlete and educator, he was also an active and dedicated member of First United Methodist Church and an outstanding member of the LaGrange community. In 1966 he was recognized as LaGrange Man of the Year. At FUMC he taught Sunday school for over 40 years and served on numerous committees, including the Administrative Board, the Nominating Committee, the Finance Committee, the Christian Education Committee (chairperson), the Usher Committee, and the Pastor/Parish Committees. He was a long time member of Highland Country Club, where he enjoyed golfing and socializing with many special friends. He remained active throughout his life and enjoyed the coffee club with friends and exercising at the LaGrange Health and Fitness Club.

A private family burial will take place before the funeral service that will be held at First United Methodist Church at 11:00 am on Monday, November 17, 2014. Funeral services will be conducted by Dr. Harold Lawrence with visitation immediately following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First United Methodist Church, West GA Hospice and Emory Heart Failure Therapy Program (Atlanta).

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636