Homer B. Johnson, who was an institution in not only Garland ISD, but also the city of Garland, passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 93.

Johnson worked in Garland ISD for an incredible 68-years before retiring on a full-time basis in 2016. Johnson was a fixture in the pressbox at Garland ISD football games until 2019.

He was the city’s most well-known figure and loved the city and the school district with all of his heart.  

Johnson was a graduate of Garland High School and returned to his alma mater in 1948 as an assistant coach before being named the head coach of the Owls in 1958. He served as Garland’s head coach from 1958 to 1962, before becoming athletic director of Garland ISD in 1963.

During his time as Garland’s athletic director, he oversaw the integration of Garland ISD, Title IX where he was instrumental in helping building the girl’s athletic programs in Garland ISD, and oversaw massive growth in GISD that saw the district grow from one high school to seven high schools.

In 1978, Garland ISD re-named Memorial Stadium, Homer B. Johnson Stadium in honor of Coach Johnson’s service to Garland ISD.