Johnny Toombs was born in Prescott, Arkansas, on June 22, 1943, to Duke and Mildred Toombs of Gurdon, Arkansas. He was raised and educated in Gurdon and graduated from Gurdon High School in 1961. In high school Johnny lettered 3 years in football, basketball, and track. He was All – District in football and basketball and was named to the Gurdon High School Go – Devil Hall of Fame with the inaugural class of 1997. At an early age his love of athletics moved him to declare that he wanted to be a coach and athletic director someday. After high school Johnny attended Southern State College in Magnolia and played football for the Riders. While at SSC, he met his future wife, the former Lois Ann Whiddon of Magnolia. They married in September of 1963 and recently celebrated 44 years of marriage. After marriage they transferred to Henderson State University, where their daughter Teresa was born in September of 1965. Lois graduated from Henderson in 1965 and Johnny in 1967. They both have Master’s degrees in education. Their daughter is a teacher in Texarkana. Johnny began his coaching career in Ashdown, Arkansas, in March of 1967, as head boy’s basketball coach and assistant football coach. There he was fortunate to study under two legendary coaches - Dick Hayes in football, and Helen Parker, the AHSCA Hall of Fame girls basketball coach, learning some valuable lessons from two of the very best. From 1967 – 1973 his basketball teams won over 100 games, and the football teams were outstanding, going undefeated in 1970. With that training, Johnny became head football coach and athletic director at Foreman, Arkansas, from 1973 – 1975. He then moved to Paul Prewitt High School in Naples, Texas, from 1976 – 1979. In 1980 he accepted a similar position at Pleasant Grove ISD in Texarkana, Texas, where he also served as assistant principal. Johnny remained there until 1989. Johnny was their first athletic director and started the inaugural athletic program for Pleasant Grove High School. In 1989, he reached his goal of returning to the state of Arkansas by moving across town to take the athletic director/head football position at Arkansas High School, where he replaced the legendary Bill Reed upon his retirement. While at Arkansas High, his athletic teams won State Championships in gymnastics, girls track, boys track, and baseball. His football record was 81 – 33 – 2 at AHS, and his 1990 Razorbacks went to the State final game. His 10-year stay at Arkansas High and his 81 football victories sets a record for all football coaches at AHS. Johnny retired in 1999 after 32 years due to a life long health problem. After retirement Johnny and Lois stayed active in school, community, and church activities. They are members of Beech Street Baptist Church where Johnny serves on the KLFI board, which televises the Friday Night Football Games for all local schools. Johnny’s numerous honors and achievements include service on the Miller County Quorum Court, on the Texarkana, Arkansas, Board of Education, and as an Executive Committee member and President of the AHSAAA. He was honored as Arkansas Athletic Director of the Year, the Gurdon High School Hall of Fame, as a recipient of the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award and Award of Merit. He served as the head coach for the Arkansas High School All-Star game and his school was winner of the State Sportsmanship Award. Johnny is a published author in “Coach’s Quarterly”.