Mr. Bill W. Johnson: Obituary

Mr. Bill W. Johnson, age 79 of Ellijay, died Thursday June 22, 2017.

Born as a farm boy January 10, 1938 in Quitman, Mississippi, to the late Willie and Mamie McDonald Johnson. He graduated from Quitman High School in 1955 and married Mary A. Spencer, of Clinton, LA in May 1956 and she has been his best companion and mate for 61 years. He honorably served 3 years in the US Army and was a member of the First Baptist Church, Ellijay.

Bill and Ann purchased the Frank Pettit home place on Big Creek Road in 1969 and came up from Marietta, GA for the “summer” and have been here 48 years since.   He was in charge of building the first part of the county recreation park (Ind, Blvd bridge to the swimming pool) in the early 70’s while an employee of Gilmer County. He had to use some of his own grading and farm equipment, etc. because the county did not have what was needed. Commissioner Hefner thought the grant money of $400 a month was too much for Bill’s salary, so he took $100 of that for the county general fund. Bill was Gilmer County’s first Recreation Director having helped organize the Gilmer County Little League organization and was an original coach. Bill and his family started the Johnson Nursery in 1977 and shipped plants worldwide until selling the business in 1990.  He was a member of the Ellijay Lions Club for years.

Bill often mentioned and never forgot the beginning friendships of the loving, caring people that helped him and the family when they first moved to Gilmer County. He often said “we are not the same type people these days”.

His family Mary A. Spencer Johnson, three sons, all graduates of Gilmer High School, Mark E. Johnson, Steve D. Johnson, wife Kelly and grandson Kris, David W. Johnson, wife Jane and granddaughter Sarah survive him.

Visitation will be held Saturday June 24, 2017 from 4 until 8pm at the Bernhardt Funeral Home, burial will be in the Ellijay City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made: to Pruitt Hospice 6050 Appalachian Hwy, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 or the charity of your choice in memory of Mr. Johnson.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.