Claude Coble Johnson

Claude Coble Johnson, born August 30, 1944, departed this life April 2, 2011 12:24 pm. He was a native of Dallas, Texas, his parents, Clifford Henry and Willie B. (Jackson) Johnson preceded him in death. Claude graduated in 1962 and studied music at North Texas State University where he mastered the trumpet, the sax, and music orchestration. After leaving college, Claude joined the Dallas Postal Service as a mail handler for several years, he traded this and his aspirations to be a professional trumpet player for a career in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an Air Traffic Control Specialist located in Ponca City, Okla. and Little Rock, Ark. Claude continued his career employed with the FAA Weather Observation Service at the Little Rock National Airport. He was also employed with the Little Rock School District as a Secretary at Badgett Elementary School, Forest Heights Middle School and Pulaski Heights Middle School.Claude was active in the Amway Corporation, the Badgett Elementary PTA and the College Station YMCA. He leaves to cherish and embrace his memories sons: Derrick, Clifton and Christopher Johnson; daughters, Nichelle, Claudette and Carlas Rainey, sister, Carolyn Johnson; brother William Johnson; Aunts Cressie Mae Miles and Estella Clark, longtime friend Amber Tweh; and a host of grandchildren and friends. A memorial service will be held Saturday April 9, 2011, 5 p.m. at Premier Funeral 1518 S. Battery St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202 (501) 376-4800 Funeral and burial will take place in Dallas, Texas.