William "Bil" Henry Johnson, 74, died peacefully at Banner Estrella Hospital in Glendale, Arizona of natural causes. He leaves behind his loving family, including Joanne Hurley Johnson, his wife and soul mate of 52 years; his son Bill Johnson Jr. of Scottsdale, AZ, his wife Ellen and son William III; his son Jerry of Peoria, AZ, his wife Debbie and son Ryan; his son Don of Winter Haven, FL, his wife Debbie, their children Christy, Matt and Kyle; his son John David of Wickenburg, AZ, his wife Sherri, their children Wendell and Caitlyn and his daughter Marcee of Surprise, AZ, her husband Mike Pejka and their children Hope and Amy as well as many close relatives in Virginia and Florida. Bill, an only child, born to Hubby and Viola Johnson on the coast of Virginia proudly served his Country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War before graduating with Outstanding Senior Honors from Florida State University in 1959. Having been a successful coach at Port Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, Florida, he found his true calling in 1965 as a State Farm Insurance agent in West Palm Beach, Florida. His career with State Farm was absolutely impressive, having retired in the Phoenix, Arizona area in 1996 as a State Farm Regional Vice President. It was Bill's love for his family and friends that made him the hero and mentor to so many. His positive attitude and uplifting outlook on life of no complaining, no excuses, no blaming, and no self-destructive thoughts on behavior built confidence, humility and respect in everyone he touched. Bill will be missed dearly by his wife, five children, nine grandchildren and hundreds of close friends all across the Country. But most of all, he will be remembered for leaving the world, and so many lives, better than they were because he was a part of it. We love you. A visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2008 from 4 to 8 pm at Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 W. Thunderbird Rd. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 12 pm, also at Heritage Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Published in The Arizona Republic from 7/6/2008