Billy G. Johnson

Billy G. Johnson 75, of Freeport, passed away peacefully, on Saturday August 20, 2016, surrounded by his loving family and special friends, Rev. Aaron & Sis. Sharon Roby. After a life well lived, Billy heard the Savior say "Well done thou good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, enter thou unto the joy of your Lord." Billy was born May 5, 1941 in Hickory, Mississippi, the son of Archie and Edna (Hayden) Johnson. Billy married Ethel Bankston on June 28, 1968 in Freeport. He graduated for Freeport High School in 1960. Billy was once employed by Stover Steel as a welder. He later became self employed, establishing his own business, "Bill Johnson's Salvage". He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-1965. Billy was a dedicated and faithful member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. There he served as a Deacon and Trustee. He participated in the Brotherhood's Men's Ministry, was a BTU teacher and sang "loudly" in the Male Chorus. As an avid hunter, he took a yearly hunting trip with his brothers Bob and Jim. He always anticipated deer season and enjoyed rabbit, squirrel and turkey hunting. He was also a great fisherman. Many of his nieces and nephews and other that affectionately called him "Uncle Bill" had their first fishing experiences with him. Well known by many in the community it was rate to go into any establishment without someone recognizing him and acknowledging him. As a member of the FHS Class of 1960, he enjoyed his last class reunion in the comfort of his own home, with a meal lovingly prepared by his wife and shared with intimate friends from his class. Billy is survived by his wife, Ethel Johnson of Freeport; son, Michael Johnson of Freeport; daughter, Shelia Johnson of Winnebago; two brothers, Robert (Lauren) Johnson of Florida and Walter "Jimmy" Johnson of Racine, WI. four sisters, Doris Wright of Freeport, Joyce Boggess of Madison, WI., Edna (Michael) Smith of San Francisco and Paulette Johnson of Freeport; three grandchildren, Tianna Johnson of Freeport, Mychal Turner of Memphis, and Latrice Cayce of Freeport. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Edna Johnson; brother, Daniel Johnson; and sisters, Alline Williams and Emma Ruth Cleaver. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday August 27, 2016 at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Aaron Roby will officiate. Visitation will be Friday 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. There will also be a visitation Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at St. Paul. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Please sign Billy's guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.