50 Years of Friendship and Fellowship

Coach Eddie Lee Johnson influenced us all and we built a friendship around the baseball diamond, basketball court, and tennis court. The fellowship generated during the many seasons together has created a bound of over 50 years. To a man, I can call on each of these men if I ever need a shoulder to lean on or confirmation of God’s message.

We attended the funeral services for Coach Johnson on March 7, 2022, in our hometown of West Point, Mississippi to support our little league coach and his son, Maurice Johnson, our semi-pro baseball teammate. We all played for the Tibbee Ramblers and grew up under the watchful eye of Coach Johnson. We were also blessed with the opportunity of graduating from little league to the local semi-pro team and playing at Roundhead Stadium in Tibbee.

Our parents provided the right mix of discipline, encouragement, and resources for us to thrive and explore our limits through sports activities. They make sure we had adequate facilities. Facilities were provided through our parents ‘ hard work and passion to provide us with uniforms, baseball fields, and a basketball/tennis court.

Coach Johnson’s obituary talks about his role as an educator, father, husband, brother, and community leader.

Eddie Lee Johnson

Coach Eddie Lee Johnson was born on February 27, 1941, and transitioned to his eternal home on February 26, 2022. His education included a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Alcorn State University and a Master’s degree in Administration from Mississippi State University. He served as a teacher for over 33 years. I had just turned five when Coach Johnson and his family moved to Tibbee. My dad, James Wicks, and mother, Earnestine Wicks, were part of the unofficial welcoming committee that welcomed them to town. Since my dad, mom, Mrs. Johnson, and Coach Johnson were all in the same education field, they immediately hit it off. Since Coach Johnson’s son, Maurice, and I were the same age we immediately hit it off. I recall us all attending his birthday party soon after they arrived. We have been good friends ever since. In fact, I believe that each of the men pictured above was at that party as well.

Rest well, Coach Johnson. I will always remember your energy and commitment to making your son, Maurice, and his friends better men. I am sure that each of the men pictured can tell the story of how it was growing up around superheroes that did not need to wear a mask or cape.

Godspeed to healing from this loss to Maurice and his family. We have your six, brother.