Holman Johnson

Holman began his life’s journey on September 14, 1931, at Vaden, Arkansas as the son of Edward, Sr., and Annie Bell Pigg Johnson. He accepted Christ as his Lord and personal Savior at a young age and united with Church of the Living God Pillar of Ground and Truth in Vaden, Arkansas. Holman attended of Bell High School in Gurdon, Arkansas. He grew up to be a handsome and intelligent young man. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall he excelled in sports. Later he received his GED in 1971. At the age of twenty-two he started employment at Reynolds Metal Company where he remained for 30 years until his retirement in 1983. Holman possessed a strong work ethic and later worked as a Deputy Sherriff for the Clark County Sheriffs Department. His tall stature added to his authority and he was known as a no non-sense deputy. He took his job seriously and served his county with pride. He retired after 15 years of dedicated and loyal service. Holman united with Sandra Kay Winfrey in holy matrimony September 19, 1998. Together, Holman and Sandra shared a beautiful devotion for one another that radiated like a brilliant and beautiful light for others to emulate. To their inseparable and prosperous union, God blessed them with a special niece they raised as a daughter. As a husband and father, Holman began to feel a strong sense of spiritual assignment to inspire and enrich the lives of not only his family, but everyone he met. Subsequently he united with the St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church family in Gum Springs. Holman became a usher, member of the choir and a trustee. Holman was an avid hunter and loved to fish. He enjoyed the simple things that life offered and found joy in spending time with his family and friends. After 13 years of love, life and laughter his beloved Sandra passed into the Lord’s embrace on Monday, September 5, 2011. On Friday, January 24, 2014, after 82 season of life he received his blessing of immortality. He was preceded in transition by his parents, his loving wife, Sandra, his grandson Keith Baskin (1986) and three brothers Ozie Johnson, Lawrence Johnson and Billy Wayne Johnson. He leaves his memory etched in the hearts of his two children: Ruby Jean Smith of Beloit, WI, and Maxine Simpson of Arkadelphia, AR; and a special niece, Nyesha Winfrey of Arkadelphia, AR; four grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren, two great-great granddaughters; two sisters, Ida Mae Matlock of Mt. Pine, AR and Bobbie Jean Cole of Queens City, NY; fours brothers, L.H. (Christana) Johnson of Sparkman, AR, Edward Johnson of Sparkman, AR., Lee (Linda) Johnson of Arkadelphia, AR, and James (Louise) Johnson of Ft. Wayne, IN; two aunts, Annie Bell Jefferson of Sparkman, AR and Annie B. Pigg of Arkadelphia, AR; four brothers-in-law, Rev. Alex (Barbara) Winfrey of Okolona, AR, Roy (Margeurite) Winfrey of Forest City, AR, Fredrick (Barbara) Winfrey of Bismarck, AR and Barry (Joyce) Winfrey of Hope, AR; three sisters-in-law Betty (Houston) Brown and Angenett Winfrey both of Forest City, AR, and Vickie (Oscar) Ellis of Stephens, AR. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends. Public visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30th at the funeral home from 12:00 until 6:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will shared with friends on Friday, January 31st at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ruth Baptist Church in Gum Springs. Rev. Thomas D. Hale is the pastor and will officiate. Interment will be in Vaden Cemetery.