Johnny Martin Scoggins, 85, of Paris, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009 at Paris Regional Medical Center in Paris, Texas.

Memorial services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9 at the First Baptist Church in Pecan Gap, Texas under the direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Dr. Ed Schaeffer and Bro. Ruben Trussell officiating.

Johnny was born Dec. 12, 1924, the son of Hubert Andrew and Mattie Lou McCollum Scoggins, in Giles, Texas in Delta County.

He became a Christian at an early age and became a member of First Baptist Church in Pecan Gap. He married Earline Parrish on May 28, 1950 at First Baptist Church. He served with the U. S. Army in Europe as a medic during WW II. He was a Tech 5 in the 99th Division Infantry.

He graduated from East Texas Teacher’s College in Commerce, receiving a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees. He began his teaching career in 1950 as a coach. He served as the superintendent of the Bland ISD in Hunt County, Texas for 18 years. After 34 years of being in education he retired in 1984 at Princeton, Texas. He and Earline moved to Lake Tawakoni where he spent many hours fishing, which was his favorite thing to do in life. They moved to Paris in 1997, where they met new friends and he continued his love of fishing. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Paris and was a 33rd degree Mason.

Married for 59 years, he is survived by his wife, Earline; two sons, Marty Scoggins of Whitney, Texas and Jeff Scoggins of Paris, Texas; a granddaughter, Kaylynn Scoggins of Paris, Texas; nephews, Drew Sallee and wife Nancy, and Tracy Needham of Calif.; niece, Kelly Blacklund of Minn.; special cousins, Barney Briscoe and wife Pat, Hobert Briscoe, Betty Lancaster and Wanda Deatherage; and many special friends and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary Needham; one nephew; and a special cousin, Benny Briscoe.

To leave a message or tribute for the family, please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.