Joe Pat Johnson, 87, of Radford, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. Born Aug. 20, 1939, he was preceded in death by his parents, Ovid Brooks and Gladys Robinson Johnson; brother, Mike Johnson; and his nephew, David Johnson.
Pat grew up in Narrows and spent his young days fishing and hunting with his friends and Uncle Richard. Prior to high school, he spent one summer working in the General Assembly as a page for Woodrow Byrd. After high school, Pat attended Concord College graduating with a degree in Education. He married his high school sweetheart, Ellene, and they moved to Mt. Jackson, Va., where he taught elementary school, high school and coached football. They later moved to Radford where Pat became a State Farm agent and earned a master’s degree in Education. Pat taught at Bethel Elementary and then became principal at Price’s Fork Elementary before finishing his career at Blacksburg High School, where he also coached soccer. Pat led the Bruins to their first state championship title in 1989 and to the state finals in 1990. He was named 1989 Timesland Coach of the Year. His overall record included 65 wins, nine losses and three ties.
During his retirement years, Pat enjoyed fishing, playing golf, traveling with Ellene and working in his yard. He mostly enjoyed his grandchildren, Connor and Grayson, and he and Ellene loved traveling with them and to any and all activities and sporting events that they were involved in.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 63 years, Ellene Frazier Johnson; son, Scott Johnson; daughter and son-in-law, Paige Herndon (John); granddaughter, Connor Herndon (Gabe); grandson, Grayson Herndon; sister, Harriet Archer; sister-in-law, Joyce Johnson; brother-in-law and his wife, JT Frazier (Carol); and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and special friends.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at the Presbyterian Church of Radford. A memorial service will begin at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. Morgan Whitfield officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Presbyterian Church of Radford or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The Johnson family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home in Radford.
