Bill Johnson

William Lee Johnson, known to many as Bill Johnson, passed away peacefully at his home in Mountain View, Missouri, on August 11, 2024, at the age of 66. Born on May 13, 1958, in St. Louis, Missouri, to James and Shirley Johnson, Bill was a man of honor, dedication, and deep compassion.

 

Bill graduated from Liberty High School in Mountain View, Missouri, before enlisting in the United States Navy. He served his country with distinction for 20 years, retiring honorably as an E6. Throughout his career, Bill was a Nuclear Warhead Maintenance Specialist, serving on numerous vessels, including the USS Constellation, NAVMAG Guam, SWFPAC, NAS Cecil Field, USS Saratoga, and the USS Guam. He was decorated with numerous medals and ribbons, recognizing his bravery, service, and dedication.

 

His accolades include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Battle Efficiency Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Service Medal, and the Navy Pistol Ribbon - Sharpshooter.

 

Bill's commitment to service extended beyond his military career. He was a stalwart supporter of veterans, actively involved in his local VFWs, AMVETS, and numerous veteran motorcycle rider groups, where he served on multiple committees. Though he didn't ride himself, his dedication to these causes was unwavering. Bill was known for his gentle demeanor, earning him the affectionate title of "gentle giant" among his many friends.

 

Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Johnson, his father, James, and mother, Shirley Johnson, and his dog, Heidi.  He is survived by his older sister, Jan Harrison (husband Mike); older brother, David Johnson; younger brother, John Johnson (wife Vicky); younger sister, Cindy Johnson; and younger sister, Cathy Renshaw (husband Darren). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved aunts, Connie Beeler and LaCretia Carter, and his beloved cats Snuggles and Lilly.

 

A memorial service will be held on September 21, 2024, at 11 A.M., graveside at Cabool Cemetery in Cabool, Missouri. Bill's wishes were to be cremated and his ashes buried atop his Irish twin brother, Michael, as if he was holding him for all eternity. Lunch will follow around noon, catered by Roscoe T's at Cabool's Star Foundation. If you plan to attend, please contact Bill's niece, Amanda Harrison, at inmemorybilljohnson@gmail.com.

 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the DAV: https://www.dav.org. Bill was a friend to many around the globe. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of service, kindness, and dedication to his community will be remembered by many.