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WILLIAM RUSSELL JOHNSON
William Russell Johnson born November 6, 1950 in Chelsea Massachusetts. Died July 21, 2020 in Terrell Texas, at the age of 69.
William Russell Johnson was the eldest son of Colonel Harvey and Norma Johnson. William (Bill) grew up on various military bases throughout the Continental United States and around the world. He graduated from Kecoughtan High School in Hampton Virginia where he met Carol Ann Mathews on June 17, 1971; they were married on December 18, 1971.
Bill left the civilian workforce to enlist in the Army during the Vietnam War. During his 24 year career in the Army, he was stationed in numerous bases around the world and supported military operations from Europe, to Southwest Asia to Central America. While in the military Bill completed his Bachelors in Hospital Administration at Austin Peay University. Upon retirement from active duty, he served almost 20 years in the Texas State Guard in various leadership roles supporting a number of disaster relief efforts. Bill also worked at the Terrell State Hospital, MHMR Lakes Regional, and Parkland Hospital as a social worker. He enjoyed collecting military paraphernalia and old vintage cars.
He is survived by his wife, his mother, brothers, Robert Dean Johnson and Eric Allen Johnson; children, Emily Anne Johnson Rich, Kimberly Susan Johnson Brewington, Amelia Jane Johnson, and William Michael Johnson; Son-in-Law, Jack Rich, daughter-in-law Breanna Johnson, and eight grandchildren, Kaela Brewington, Kaitlyn Rich, Kelsey Brewington, Meghan Brewington, Spencer Rich, Victoria Johnson, Lauren Johnson, and Audrey Johnson.
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Bonnie Bridger (Mittelmaier) (1969)
These sorrowful events seem to come in clusters. Another Classmate has left us and so quickly he went. This Classmate, William R. Johnson certainly was a Patriot, serving our country in many different capacities. Thank you for your service Bill and prayers for your family and your many friends and colleagues. See you on the other side.
Bonnie Bridger Mittelmaier '69
Patrick Roberts (1968)
Bill Johnson and I worked together at the Ft. Monroe service station for several years in the early 70s. We were both in school and needed money for our education and our cars. I remember Bill driving a green MGA and then selling it to get a more practical Ford Falcon when he decided to get married. I also remember him bringing his dad's '57 T-Bird in and working on that in his spare time. Bill was always focused on what he wanted for his future and worked towards it. His accomplishments in the Army and in civilian life speak to that. He was a great guy and I remember our time working together at Ft. Monroe with much fondness. Godspeed Bill.