William Johnson

William “Bill” Francis Johnson went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 26, 2021.  Born in Cheraw, South Carolina on June 28, 1936, he was a graduate of Cheraw High School, Class of 1953 and served 4 years in the Air Force.  Bill held two Masters Degrees in Business from Armstrong State University in Georgia.  He was a dedicated employee of Union Camp/International Paper for 43 years.  Bill had a real passion for baseball.  He was a minor league umpire for the Southern League and the Savannah Braves, the minor league team for the Atlanta Braves.  He was also a Division 1 umpire for Georgia Southern, and LSU and for the regional tournaments for the SEC. 

Bill had a heart to serve others.  He faithfully volunteered for the AL ANON program in Spartanburg, and the Grief Share program which met at First Baptist Church, Spartanburg where he was a devoted member.  He enjoyed participating in their many programs including the Young At Heart program.  He also enjoyed attending prayer meetings and church services at Christ Lighthouse in Inman, SC.  

Bill was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He is survived by his son Rod and wife Diane, grandchildren Tara and Rick Pridgen, great grandsons Jaxon Pridgen and Samuel Coggins all of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and his brother Tommy and wife Mary Johnson of Cheraw, South Carolina.  Bill was also a devoted and adoring husband to his beloved wife Bea Dillard Johnson and loved dearly by her family.  Bill truly cherished his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. 

Bill had a zeal for life and never backed down from a challenge.  He had many wonderful stories to share of a life fully lived.  He was an amazing man who led an amazing life.  He was taken from us too soon, but we find comfort in knowing we will one day be reunited with him in heaven.  He was loved by many and will be profoundly missed. 

A memorial service in Bill’s honor will be held Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 1:30, in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Spartanburg.  Due to current conditions the memorial service will be limited to immediate family. 

We hope that you can join us by way of live stream.

The service will be live-streamed from First Baptist Church at https://livestream.com/fbcspartanburg/events/3447238.

The family will be at the home of Bea Dillard Johnson.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.