Richard Franklin Ray Johnson, born July 27th, 19261
in South Charleston, WV,2
was a professional baseball player from 1958-1964. Johnson lived much of his later life in Jonesboro, AR.
Biography
John died on January 13th, 2005 in Jonesboro, AR.3
Excerpts
"Rich Johnson , Arkansas State University's head baseball coach from 1977-91, died early Thursday morning at a local hospital. Johnson was 68 years old and had been ill for some time. Johnson served as the Indians' baseball coach for 15 years after succeeding the legendary J.A. "Ike" Tomlinson, who led ASU's baseball program 33 years before retiring. He served as Tomlinson's assistant for 10 seasons before replacing his mentor in June 1976. "In ASU baseball history, Rich played a huge, huge role in helping to build this program to new levels," said Bill Templeton, ASU's director of major gifts. "He had a fine baseball mind and was a tremendous teacher and motivator in the game. ASU has lost a great warrior." During his coaching career, Johnson compiled a record of 200-406-1. Johnson was named Coach of the Year for two different leagues — the American South in 1990 and the Southland Conference in 1982. During his tenure, he coached six all-conference players, including American South Conference Player of the Year Matt Whiteside, who went on to excel in the professional ranks. Johnson was born in South Charleston, W.Va., where he was an all-conference shortstop-pitcher at South Charleston High. After spending two years of military service, he began a five-year career with the Boston Red Sox organization followed by three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Johnson became assistant to Tomlinson with the ASU program while he was completing requirements for his bachelor's degree at ASU. A memorial service will be held at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m."4
"Richard F.R. "Rich" Johnson , 68, of Jonesboro died Thursday, Jan. 13, at St. Bernard's Medical Center. He served as head baseball coach at Arkansas State University from 1976-1991 and was a 2-time conference coach of the year. He played professional baseball and was spent five years with the Boston Red Sox and three years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was also a former head trainer and equipment manager for the ASU Athletic Department. He also served as assistant baseball coach and head coach. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro and an Army veteran. Survivors include a daughter, Tracey Johnson of Jonesboro; a son, Wade Johnson of Naples, Fla., and three grandchildren, Alexis Marie Johnson , Collin Ray Johnson and Christopher Wade Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcia Geary Johnson , and his parents, Claude Ray and Virginia Elouise Johnson. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in Emerson Funeral Home's Memorial Chapel with Jerry Muckensturm and Jim Osment officiating. Burial will be private. No visitation has been scheduled."5
Stats
Statistics at Baseball-Reference.com.
Biography
John died on January 13th, 2005 in Jonesboro, AR.3
Excerpts
"Rich Johnson , Arkansas State University's head baseball coach from 1977-91, died early Thursday morning at a local hospital. Johnson was 68 years old and had been ill for some time. Johnson served as the Indians' baseball coach for 15 years after succeeding the legendary J.A. "Ike" Tomlinson, who led ASU's baseball program 33 years before retiring. He served as Tomlinson's assistant for 10 seasons before replacing his mentor in June 1976. "In ASU baseball history, Rich played a huge, huge role in helping to build this program to new levels," said Bill Templeton, ASU's director of major gifts. "He had a fine baseball mind and was a tremendous teacher and motivator in the game. ASU has lost a great warrior." During his coaching career, Johnson compiled a record of 200-406-1. Johnson was named Coach of the Year for two different leagues — the American South in 1990 and the Southland Conference in 1982. During his tenure, he coached six all-conference players, including American South Conference Player of the Year Matt Whiteside, who went on to excel in the professional ranks. Johnson was born in South Charleston, W.Va., where he was an all-conference shortstop-pitcher at South Charleston High. After spending two years of military service, he began a five-year career with the Boston Red Sox organization followed by three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Johnson became assistant to Tomlinson with the ASU program while he was completing requirements for his bachelor's degree at ASU. A memorial service will be held at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m."4
"Richard F.R. "Rich" Johnson , 68, of Jonesboro died Thursday, Jan. 13, at St. Bernard's Medical Center. He served as head baseball coach at Arkansas State University from 1976-1991 and was a 2-time conference coach of the year. He played professional baseball and was spent five years with the Boston Red Sox and three years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was also a former head trainer and equipment manager for the ASU Athletic Department. He also served as assistant baseball coach and head coach. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro and an Army veteran. Survivors include a daughter, Tracey Johnson of Jonesboro; a son, Wade Johnson of Naples, Fla., and three grandchildren, Alexis Marie Johnson , Collin Ray Johnson and Christopher Wade Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcia Geary Johnson , and his parents, Claude Ray and Virginia Elouise Johnson. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in Emerson Funeral Home's Memorial Chapel with Jerry Muckensturm and Jim Osment officiating. Burial will be private. No visitation has been scheduled."5
Stats
Statistics at Baseball-Reference.com.
2
Jonesboro Sun, 1/14/2005
3
Jonesboro Sun, 1/14/2005
4
Jonesboro Sun, 1/14/2005
5
Jonesboro Sun, 1/14/2005