Obituaries

Samuel Howard Johnson

Photo of Samuel Howard Johnson
Samuel "Howard" Johnson, 89 of Dumas, Arkansas passed away October 6, 2014 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born on April 5, 1925 in Pine Bluff, the son of Samuel Houston Johnson and Nellie Burdick Johnson. His parents, 6 brothers, a son, Samuel Howard Johnson Jr., and grandson, Charles Britt Johnson preceded him in death. Howard graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1944 and the University Of Arkansas in Fayetteville, with a Bachelors of Science Degree in business Administration in 1949. He served in the European Theater of operations and received the Purple Heart for combat wounds. After graduating from the University, Howard was employed in several jobs; Accountant for Blaw Know Construction Company, accountant and administrative assistant to the Assistant director of the Arkansas State highway Department. He also served as Assistant Administrator of the Jefferson Hospital in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Howard then moved to Dumas, where he was CEO, Administrator at Delta Memorial Hospital for 25 years before retiring in 1992. While working in Health Care Howard was active in many hospital activities as he was chairman of the Arkansas Hospital Finical managers, Chairman of the Arkansas Hospital Association, served on the American Hospital Regional Advisory Board and he was awarded the A. Allen Weintraub. Memorial Award which is the most prestigious award of the Arkansas Hospital Association. He was presented the French Legion of Honor medal at the Capital. Howard was a member of the First Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Director, and Chairman of the budget and Finance committee and he was also active the Senior Adult group, known as the "Keen Agars. He also was active in the local community where he served as the Dumas Red cross Blood drive, member of the Dumas Lion Club, Dumas Chamber of Commerce and American Legion. He served as the Desha, County member of the Arkansas Senior citizen's legislation. Survivors are his wife, Bonnie Johnson and one son, Charles Brady Johnson both of Little Rock and one daughter, Mary Gail Johnson Nation of Fayetteville, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Visitation held Wednesday, October 8, from 5-7 p.m., Griffin Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services held on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 10 a.m., First Baptist Church with Rev. Dub Byers officiating with burial in memorial Park cemetery in Pine Bluff. Memorial can be made in his memory to First Baptist Church, Dumas or charity of donor's choice. Arrangements are by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, Arkansas.

Published October 8, 2014

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