was born April 25, 1948 in Ennis, Texas to the parentage of Woodrow and
Charlene Johnson. He was the second oldest of three children born to this union.
He graduated from Ennis High School and later attended Prairie View A & M
University. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1973, serving during the
Vietnam War. William earned many awards, medals, and recognitions, including
the Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service
Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Overseas Long Tour
Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, just to name a few. After 19
years and 4 months of service, William received an honorable discharge. He was
later employed with the United States Postal Service and retired after 17 years.
William met, and later married, the "Apple of His Eye," Willie Mae Harding. This
union was blessed with two children, Tawana and Derrick.
After settling in Dallas, Texas, William united with the Greater Progressive Baptist
Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor J. J. Raven. He served his church
faithfully as a deacon, an usher, and a member of the Brotherhood Auxiliary.
William enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandsons. He was
very instrumental in their upbringing, which helped foster an unbreakable bond.
William is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Richard and Larry
Johnson.
Those left to cherish his memories are: his devoted wife of 45 years, Willie Mae;
daughter, Tawana Johnson; son, Derrick (Octavious) Johnson, Sr.; six grandsons,
Derrick Johnson, Jr., Desten (Heather) Johnson, Cameron Jones, Christian Jones,
Tory Baker, and Tyson Baker; two great grandsons, Levi and Logan; one great
granddaughter, Skylar; siblings, Vastine Brown, Sheree Steele, Nathan Brown, and
Gregory Brown; one aunt, Mary Anderson; one uncle, Frank Flowers; stepmother,
Marylene Johnson; godchildren, Zachary Flowers and Qui