William T. "Bill" Johnson

William "Bill” T. Johnson passed away peacefully at his home in Destrehan, LA on November 14, 2015 at the age of 57 after a brief battle with cancer. Bill is survived by his wife, Susan (Sue) Bonin Johnson, of 32 years; his children, Jeannette Johnson Brashear, Lauren Johnson, and Kaelyn Johnson; his son-in-laws, Travis Brashear and Tim Morales; his grandchildren, Tate and Tucker Brashear; his mother, Barbara Johnson; his siblings, Stephen Johnson (Carol), Eileen Oddo (John), Kevin Johnson (Yvonne), and Kathleen Mayer (George); his father-in-law, Joseph Bonin; Sue’s siblings, Cathy Barbara (Tony), Theresa Bonin (Doug), Beth Looney (Jim), Judy Navarre (Jeff), John Bonin (Nicole), and Rita Deas (Rich); as well as his many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. His father, Stephen Johnson, and his mother-in-law, Margie Bonin, precede him in death. Bill was born on February 4, 1958 in Mobile, AL to Barbara and Stephen Johnson. After moving to Metairie, LA with his family in 1973, he graduated from Archbishop Rummel High School in 1976. A talented swimmer, Bill accepted an athletic scholarship to attend Tulane University. He swam for Tulane throughout college and graduated in 1980. In 1983, Bill and Sue married after many years of dating. Between 1985 and 1996, Bill and Sue welcomed three daughters into their lives, raising them to appreciate athletics, hunting, and fishing. In 1997, Bill and Sue founded American Claims Services Inc. (ACSI) in partnership with John and Margaret Bannon. The company grew successfully over many years, and in 2013, ACSI was acquired by York Risk Services Inc. Bill remained employed as a Senior Vice President at the time of his death. Bill will be remembered in many ways but perhaps most significantly for his passion for three sports: swimming, hunting, and fishing. Between 1990 and 2006, Bill coached countless swimmers on several teams. As a coach, he was firm but fair. His workouts were infamous for being difficult, but his coaching style empowered his swimmers to rise to the challenge. When Bill was not spending time with his family, coaching, or working, he was often in a deer stand or on his boat. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved spending time with Mother Nature. Throughout his years of hunting and fishing, Bill developed many meaningful friendships, most of which were made as a member of the Bowling Green Hunting Club. It was here that he hunted for 25 years with his family and dozens of friends. He enjoyed the companionship of these individuals, gathering hours of epic, unforgettable hunting stories. In 2009, Bill and Sue bought land and built a home in Brookhaven, MS. It was here the Johnson family enjoyed many weekends together—hunting, gardening, and cooking. In 2014, they established the Brookhaven Tree Farm as well as a hunting club comprised of family and close friends. During this time, Bill became passionate about the management of this land, encouraging his family—especially his daughters and son-in-laws—to learn and work alongside him. His family is eager to keep Bill’s passion alive and continue his legacy. Overall, it is Bill’s loving spirit and strong character that will stay in our memories. He was young at heart and found great joy in teaching and helping others. These traits, and many others, have been passed along to his children and will carry on through the future generations of his family. Whether you know him as Bill, Willie T, Wild Bill, Billy Boy, Coach Bill, or Big Willie, all are welcome to attend and celebrate his life. A service is scheduled on Friday, November 20, 2015 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Destrehan, LA. Visitation will take place between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm with mass immediately following. The celebrant, Father Bo Majors, will be assisted by Deacon Drea Capaci and Deacon Jeff Tully. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Quality Deer Management Association or the Archbishop Chapelle High School Tuition Endowment Fund. The family would like to thank Dr. Mike Kotler, Dr. Bernard “Bud” Landry, Dr. Rabia Cattie, Dr. William Meyers, and Heart of Hospice for their care of Bill and the support of his family.