John Harry Johnsey Jr., known to all as “Harry,” lived a life of which to be proud. As impressive as were his on-the-field exploits, Johnsey was, more importantly, a true success in his community. Born in 1912 at Jackson, Tennessee, Johnsey attended Jackson High and graduated from Union University. Captain of the 1931 Jackson High Golden Bears, Johnsey’s talents landed him a spot as defensive end on the Union squad, where he made a career as a destructive 155-pounder known as the “Ripper.” After graduation, Johnsey joined Union as assistant football coach before heading on to a stint in the Navy. In 1946 Harry and his brother Fred started Johnsey’s Sporting Goods. They worked long and hard, and success came because of their integrity, devotion, service, and love for each other. Somehow, Johnsey still found the time to assist the coaches at his alma mater and to visit the sick and the shut-ins, spreading joy and happiness throughout the community. The “Coaches Room” in Johnsey’s Sporting Goods was always the place to be to find comfort in defeat and praise in victory. It was a place to find out where the community needed help, and best of all, a place to find the warm, smiling embrace of Jackson’s biggest fan. Harry Johnsey passed away in 1995 at the age of eighty-three. Jackson, Tennessee, lost a champion that day.
