Harry B. Johnson, known to generations of Lexington students and athletes simply as Coach Johnson, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026, with his loved ones at his side. He was 88.
Harry was born in Letcher County, Kentucky, on January 1, 1938, to Gad and Wilma Jean Johnson. Sports found him early, and he never let go. At Fleming-Neon, he earned twelve varsity letters, was named All-State in football in 1955 and 1956, and captained the Kentucky East-West All-Stars. He was the first recipient of the Dawahare’s Athletic Award, and on the basketball court he averaged 18 points and 14 rebounds in his senior year. His play carried him to Lexington, where he suited up for the University of Kentucky football team. After his playing days were finished, he served as an assistant coach for the University of Kentucky before going into teaching.
It was as a coach, though, that Harry found his life’s work. He spent decades shaping young people in Fayette County, coaching at the junior high level and serving as an assistant football coach at Lafayette and Tates Creek. At Tates Creek High Junior School, he built things that hadn’t existed before, starting the school’s very first wrestling and gymnastics programs and pouring discipline, sportsmanship, and grit into thousands of Titans. In football, Coach’s teams showed their dominance in Fayette County, where his teams won 17 county championships with several undefeated seasons and one undefeated and unscored-on season. His deep knowledge of the game made him a respected official as well. He spent 20 years officiating high school basketball and 13 years behind the plate for high school baseball across Kentucky. For his contributions as a player, coach, and official, he was inducted into the KHSAA Hall of Fame in 2000.
Harry is survived by Peggy Johnson, his wife of 68 years, and his grandson Taylor Johnson. He was preceded in death by his son Kevin Johnson.
His legacy lives on in the Harry B. Johnson Trophy, presented each year to the Fayette County middle school football champions, and in every young man and woman who learned from him what integrity, strength, and confidence look like. The championships mattered, but the people mattered more. That was always the point with Coach Johnson.
A visitation and celebration of Harry’s life will be held Tuesday, July 7th from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at the K-Men’s House, 1398 Sports Center Dr., Lexington, KY 40502.
A service will follow on Wednesday, July 8th at 12:00 pm at Tates Creek Presbyterian Church, 3900 Rapid Run Dr., Lexington, KY 40515.
Everyone is welcome to attend the above events.
Pallbearers will be Kendrick Fishback, Mike Gentry, Thomas Kessinger, Hunter Mullins, Rick Norton Jr & Mike Summers
Honorary Pallbearers will be the remaining members of the “Letcher County Mafia,” Dudley Webb & Phil Greer.
Instead of flowers, you may make donations to the Harry Johnson Legacy Fund:
Please mail checks to the following:
Greer Companies
P.O. Box 1627
Lexington, KY 40588