David Manuel Johnson

David Manuel Johnson, 66, of Amarillo, Texas, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Muleshoe, Bailey County, Texas, to William Clemon and Blanchie Mae Benson Johnson.

David grew up in Olton, Texas, where he graduated from Olton High School in 1978. He went on to graduate from Amarillo College, where he was one of the original Disc Jockeys (DJs) for KACV-FM 90’s Body and Soul, before continuing his studies in Mass Communications at West Texas A&M University.

David was known by many names, Puff, Poon Jiggy, DJ, Coach, Big Dave, Big Daddy, but the titles he treasured most were babe, dad, and granddad. He met the love of his life, Diana Loe, in 1979 and they were married on July 22, 1983. Just weeks ago, they joyfully celebrated 42 years of marriage. Together, they raised four children and built a home filled with laughter, faith, and love.

David spent a number of years in TV and radio advertising before answering a different calling to work with students and athletes. He taught and coached at Holy Cross Catholic Academy, co-taught at Caprock High School, and served in multiple roles with the Amarillo Independent School District (AISD) athletics, including wrestling coordinator, stadium security, and track and field announcer. He also worked at the Big Texan and Starlight Ranch, always happy to be around people and friends. His dedication to young people and his community left a lasting impact on countless lives.

A man of many passions, David loved raising livestock, gardening, and working his land. He was a devoted fan of the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys. Known for never meeting a stranger, David had a gift for finding common ground with anyone, telling stories, sharing jokes, and making everyone feel like his best friend. He cherished time with his family and friends, enjoyed working outdoors, and could often be found washing his vehicles while listening to his favorite tunes. He loved to dance and was known to bust a move at a moment’s notice. Sports, music, family, friends, and faith were the center of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Virginia Norine Johnson-Fletcher and Arvella Johnson, brother Karam “Clarence” Shaheed, grandparents, Tom and Clara Benson and Collin and Sally Johnson, and niece Saudia Latrel Shaheed-Kroviak.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Diana, children, David Manuel Johnson, Jr. (Jessica) of St. Albans, Vermont, Daniel Johnson (Lauren) of Lubbock, Texas, Dionna Johnson of Amarillo, Texas, and Deja Johnson (Jimmy Stover Jr.) of Amarillo, Texas, seven grandchildren, Bay Leigh Johnson, Lilith Johnson, Aleyna Stover, Jimmy Michael Stover III, Jeremiah Johnson, Persephone Johnson, and Daven Stover, siblings, Tommy Johnson (Minnie) of Littlefield, Texas, Katherine Thrower (Lonnie) of Denton, Texas, Kenneth Johnson (Debbie) of Portland, Oregon, Brenda Wilborn of Arlington, Texas, Kalem Shaheed (Raychael) of Wylie, Texas, Glenn Johnson (Rhonda) of Portales, New Mexico, and Delores Johnson-Pouncy (Eric) of Katy, Texas, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly.

Please sign the Online Guest Book, and view Mr. David Manuel Johnson’s obituary at www.warfordmortuary.com.