Dr. Billy Ray Johnson

Dr. Johnson was born in Timpson, Texas on Dec. 8, 1954 to J.T. and Arizona Johnson as the sixth of seven children. He graduated from Timpson High School in 1973. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Prairie View A&M University in 1977. Soon after, he met and married his wife Rhonda, the love of his life, on September 1, 1979, in Mexia, TX. They were married for 40 years. Masters of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1988, Special Education Certification from University of Texas at Austin in 1988, and his Superintendent Certification from University of Texas at Arlington in 2005. After retiring from Crowley ISD, Dr. Johnson received a Doctor of Religious Philosophy in Christian Leadership and Community Organization from Integrity Seminary.

In 1993, Dr. Johnson became the principal of Sycamore Elementary School. After two successful years at Sycamore, he was promoted to principal of Crowley High School. In 2000, while serving as the CHS principal, Dr. Johnson was the recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award for his outstanding leadership, dedication and service to children.

Dr. Johnson transitioned to CISD Central Administration as executive director of student services in 2005, and later served as an assistant and deputy superintendent before retiring in 2019.

In 2010, the District dedicated its Career and Technology Education (CTE) Center in honor of Dr. Johnson. A new building that opened in fall of 2020 continues to bear his name as the Bill R. Johnson CTE Center.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Wife, Rhonda K. Johnson; Mother, Arizona Johnson; and Father, JT Johnson.

He is survived by his Daughter LaToya Pierre and her husband, Franklin, and their daughters, Mia and Zoey; Daughter, Tasha Coffee and her husband, Roland, and their daughter, Mariah; Siblings, Beatrice Johnson Hill Ferguson, Helen Davis (Larry), Willie Johnson (Ruby), Nettie Johnson, Gloria Jackson (Tyrone), and Veria Johnson; many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and colleagues who loved him dearly.

The family will receive friends from 10 am to 11 am Friday, December 4th at Great Commission Baptist Church,7700 McCart Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76133 . The Funeral Service will be held at 11 am Friday at Great Commission Baptist Church with Graveside Service and interment to follow in Laurel Land Memorial Park, Fort Worth, 7100 Crowley Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76134.