William Joseph Johnson's Obituary
Our beloved father and grandfather, William Joseph Johnson, 90, a long-time resident of Ocala Florida, passed away on April 21, 2023, in Bridgeville, Delaware.
William “Bill” was born in Norfolk, Connecticut on January 28, 1933 to Arthur and Katherine Bailey Johnson. As a young man, he enjoyed horseback riding, swimming, baseball, and was an award-winning skier. Bill joined the United States Army in 1951 and served as a Sergeant in the Korean war. Following his military service, he married and moved to White Plains, New York. Bill raised four children and was employed by Otis Elevators for many years. After the death of his first wife, he remarried and moved to Ocala, Florida.
Bill loved God. He was a Deacon and Deacon Emeritus at several churches throughout his life. Bill faithfully attended church service and bible study, studied the Bible daily, and was interested in biblical history and linguistics. Bill was a deeply spiritual man who was devoted to his family. He was resourceful and exhibited an extraordinary work ethic throughout his professional and personal life.
Bill loved playing golf and fishing. He also loved to watch westerns and never missed Thursday Night Football with his neighbors. Bill loved to eat; especially Italian food! He put oil and vinegar on everything.
Bill will be remembered for his unwavering faith and the joy he brought to the lives of those around him.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan M. Johnson of White Plains, NY; his second wife, Dolores James Johnson of Ocala, FL; and his son, Joseph J. Johnson of Upper Marlboro, MD. He is survived by his daughters: Josephine Holbert (Patrick) of Bridgeville, DE and Dorshia Johnson of Feasterville, PA; his son, David M. Johnson of Los Angeles, CA; his stepsons: Michael James of Beacon, NY and Stanley James of Montclair, NJ; his grandsons: William Holbert (Meghan) of Arnold, MD and Jonathan Holbert (Ellie) of Annapolis, MD; and his step-grandson, Adrian James of Montclair, NJ.
Interment with military honors will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, New York.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, INC., 606 SW Broadway, Ocala Florida 34475.
Final care has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, Bridgeville, DE.
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