Sammy Lee Johnson was born to the late Junior Johnson and Gloria Tittle-Johnson in Helena, AR on July 22, 1952. He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor P. L. Perkins.
He departed this life on May 23, 2024, at his home. He has one child who proceeded him in death along with: Junior Johnson (father), Gloria
Johnson (mother), Harvey Johnson (brother), Calvin Johnson Jr (nephew), Gladys Sanders (sister), and James Sanders Sr.(brother-in-law).
Sammy graduated from Central High School in Helena-West Helena in 1973. Following high school, he attended both Phillips County Community College and the University of Arkansas Monticello on basketball scholarships. He enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1977and served for two years. While stationed at Badhersfeld, Germany, Sammy continued to play basketball and make many friends
Sammy leaves to cherish his memory his siblings: Joseph Johnson Sr; Horn Lake, MS, Ethel (Jerome) Brison; Olive Branch, MS, Larry (Burnette) Johnson; Memphis, TN, Thomas Johnson (brother); Memphis, TN, Calvin (Toni) Johnson; Houston, TX, Danny Johnson Sr.; Little Rock, AR, Bobby Johnson; Waterburg, CT, his uncle: Rev. Fred (Dorothy) Tittle; Fairfield, CA, and a host of nieces and nephews.