Joe Johnson Obituary

July 22, 1931-January 28, 2022

Joseph Benjamin "Joe" Johnson passed away peacefully on January 28, 2022 at the age of 90.  He was a beloved husband, father, son, teacher, coach, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and Christian. He was born July 22, 1931 in Dothan, Alabama.  After graduating from high school in Headland, Alabama, where he spent his childhood, Joe went on to Southeastern Louisiana University where he was the starting quarterback on the football team and married his high-school sweetheart (Betty Farmer) while attending college.  Joe then went into active duty with the Marine Corp from 1954-1956 where he was stationed in Virginia, California and also a year in Japan. After returning home, Joe taught and coached football at Southeastern Louisiana University where he received his Master's degree in Education.  Joe then went on to get his Doctorate of Education from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. During his career, Joe taught at Middle Tennessee State University and was the Dean of Students at Motlow College in Tullahoma, where he was also the first ever baseball coach at Motlow. In the summer of 1979, Joe and Betty moved to Chattanooga where Joe taught and was the Dean of Students at Chattanooga State until he retired in 1996.

Joe had a passion for working with young students, especially coaching them in various sports. He loved playing golf, was an active member of the Chattanooga Chapter of the Alabama Alumni Association and was an active member of Hixson United Methodist Church. Joe never met a stranger—if he didn't know you, he would spend time learning about you. Joe was an avid Alabama football fan, but as much as he loved his Crimson Tide, there's nothing he loved more than his family, especially his wife Betty whom he was married to for 69 years.

Joe is predeceased by his beloved daughter, Kate Bratcher.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, three sons, Ben, Jeff (Debbie) and Jody and 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.

There will be no public visitation.

The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Joe and Betty Johnson Scholarship Fund through the Chattanooga Chapter of the Alabama Alumni Association.  Contributions can be made through Paypal at this address: Chabamaclub01@epbfi.com

Please note that the donation is for the Joe and Betty Johnson Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson (423) 531-3975.