William Lee Johnson

William (Bill) L. Johnson, 90, passed away at the Bluffs in Columbia on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. Mr. Johnson was a long-time resident of Mexico, Mo. He had resided at the Terrace in Columbia since August 2017. Visitation will be held at the Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, Mo., on Monday, March 18, from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by a graveside service in Newton Burial Park in Nevada.

Bill was born in Dighton, Kan., in 1928 to Charles Richard and Delia Johnson. When a small child, his family moved to Nevada, Mo. He was the youngest son of the Johnsons. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Glen, Richard and Don and his sister, Mary. He is survived by his younger sister, Mildred, who currently resides in Nevada, Mo.

Bill married Joan Marie Gist July 25, 1953, who has preceded him in death. They are survived by sons, Charles (Chuck) Johnson and Russell (Rusty) Johnson and their spouses, Cheryl and Radford. He is also survived by grandsons, Christopher, Casey and Anthony Johnson; and two great-grandchildren, Cayden and Tala.

Bill went to work for the Silvey Corporation in 1968 as a regional manager for the New American Life Insurance division. He and Joan were fortunate to have traveled on numerous incentive trips to Hawaii, Florida and New Orleans. He was a successful manager for this company until he retired in 1995.

Bill was a dedicated member of the First Christian Church in Mexico. He performed with a Gospel quartet (the Disciples) while in Mexico and was an active member of the choral group at the Terrace. He was also an active member of numerous service organization in Mexico including, Optimists, Lions and Elks Clubs. Bill was a proud veteran of the United States Army.

Bill always had a smile on his face and was willing to help anyone at any time.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions be made in his name to Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri, 2609 E. Broadway Suite 119, Columbia, Mo 65201 or care of Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.