Levin Crow Johnson, 92, of Monticello, departed this life on Saturday, January 20, 2024. He was born October 29, 1931, in Sumpter to the late Elgan Taylor Johnson and Drusie Savage and is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Haggard, Hershel, and Elvis Tracy (infant), three sisters, Lavelle, Marcelle, and Ginger, and by grandson, Handley Clark Johnson.
Levin grew up in Warren and graduated from Warren High School excelling in basketball and football. Out of High School, he served in the Navy during the Korean War. He enrolled on the GI Bill and graduated from Arkansas A&M College (UAM) in Monticello where he played basketball and football. He married Sue Handley of Monticello in 1957 while still in college and had two sons. Upon graduation he coached basketball in Class A, Wilmot, (a small town that was dear to his heart) for 18 years compiling a record of 433 wins and 149 losses, winning 19 county, district, and other tournaments. In 1976 they were the Runner-up in the Class A State Tournament, and the same year was head coach for the East High School All-Star Basketball team, was inducted into the Ashley County Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, was honored at the Slack LaGrande/Wilmot Alumni Reunion in 2003 and was inducted into the UAM Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1956 AIC Championship team in 2010.
Levin started his very successful second career with Farm Bureau Insurance Company as an Agent in Ashley County and moved up to Lincoln County Agency Manager earning all the sales awards that could be achieved during his career before he retired.
Please remember, any day was a good day at the track (Oaklawn) whether you win or lose. He was known to all in our family as Pop and always will be. Levin and Sue traveled extensively during his years with Farm Bureau seeing the world and all it holds. They moved to the farm when he retired in 1995 and have been there ever since. There are many memories that are cherished by all that knew him. Family, friends, and former players whom he helped mold and give them direction as their life lay ahead of them. Many who, to this day, stayed in contact with Coach Johnson.
Levin is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sue Handley Johnson, his two sons: Jeff Johnson (Julie and her family Lauren, J.C., Reed, and Grace), and Craig Johnson (Lydia) both of Little Rock; five grandchildren: Jill Kilil (Fred), Anna Johnson, Molly Johnson, Ethan Johnson (Madison), Ella Johnson. Also, by 5 great-grandchildren, by his sister, Joann Stuart (James) of Sherwood, and by many nieces, nephews, and extended family that will miss him.
The family would like to extend a great expression of gratitude for the team at Arkansas Hospice that helped us through these past few months. and to Belle View Nursing and Rehab for their gentle and loving care. Jamie Handly Branch, you can never be thanked enough for your time, and your loving care when you were needed. Thank you.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Monticello, 317 South Main St., Monticello, AR 71655
Visitation will be held Friday, January 26th, from 6-8 p.m. at Stephenson Dearman Funeral Home, 943 US-425, Monticello, AR 71655. Graveside service will be held Saturday, January 27th, at 11 a.m. in Oakland Cemetery officiated by Pastor Bryan R. Diffee.
