Mr. Hurley (Coach) Johnson, 64, passed from this life Sept. 8, 2005 in Obici Hospital.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13 at Jones Chapel Baptist Church in Orangeburg, S.C. Viewing will be from noon to 8 p.m. at Blythewood Funeral Home in Orangeburg. Interment will be at Belleville Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg.

Mr. Johnson was born Sept. 22, 1940 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Shirley (Loadie Yates) Johnson in Suffolk. As a youth, he became a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Suffolk. Later, during his adult years, he joined Jones Chapel Baptist Church where he was a faithful member of the Trustee Board. Coach Johnson received his formal education at Booker T. Washington High School in Suffolk, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts from Claflin College and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Educa-tion from South Carolina State College. Coach Johnson also served four years in the U.S. Air Force.

His coaching career began in 1968 at G.W. Carver High School in Cordova, S.C., which was highlighted by their first and only men’s basketball championship in 1976. He inspired many students throughout South Carolina with his many talents in football, basketball, and track and field.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving wife Nettie and two sons, Shelley and Hurley of Orangeburg; a granddaughter, Aerial; two brothers, Mr. Shirley (Judy) Johnson of Teaneck, N.J. and Mr. Reginald Johnson of Clinton, Md.; a sister, Mrs. Margie Green, also of Clinton, and a host of other relatives and friends.