Born August 10, 1937, in Burlington, NC, to David Rhodes Johnson and Leone Virginia Rudd, Bill graduated from Bartlett-Yancey High School (Yanceyville, NC) as the 1955 senior class president. He earned his bachelor’s (1959) and master’s (1961) degrees in education at the University of North Carolina and engaged in doctoral studies at New York University (1968-70). In his final undergraduate semester, Bill met Martha Ann Cheek, whom he married December 21, 1960, in Carrboro, NC; they were sealed in the LDS Salt Lake Temple June 1966. With a twinkle in his eye, Bill often declared he “almost” made it through his UNC Tar Heel days as a free man, but Martha completely captured his heart. The pair celebrated their 57th anniversary together in the week before his passing.
Mr. Johnson influenced countless youth in his career as an educator. He taught history in Orlando, FL (1959-62), and Greensboro, NC (1963-65), and he worked as a school administrator (assistant principal at Kiser Junior High School 1965-67, principal of Brooks Elementary 1967-68, and assistant superintendent of Greensboro City Schools 1970-77). Eventually, Mr.Johnson served as superintendent in North Carolina’s Goldsboro City (1977-81), Lee County (1981-89), and Robeson County (1989-93) public school systems. Ever the educator, in retirement Mr. Johnson taught at-risk students in Alamance County schools (1995-2000).
Johnson received recognition for outstanding professional work and community service. He belonged to Optimist, Kiwanis, and Rotary clubs in various cities and served on the boards of directors of the Goldsboro Arts Council, Lee County Area Chamber of Commerce, and Lee County Hospice; he also served on the Lumberton Chamber of Commerce education committee. He served as the Sanford (NC) Area Chamber of Commerce director 1983-85. In 1985, he received a 20-year service award from the North Carolina Association of School Administrators Superintendents’ Commission. The Special Olympics of Robeson County presented him with a 1989 plaque expressing appreciation for his volunteer efforts. He received a 1990 certificate of appreciation for “Outstanding Support Given the United States Army Recruiting Command.” And Public Schools of Robeson County bestowed on Johnson the 1990-91 Library Award for Outstanding Support in Media.
In 1983, the state education superintendent selected Johnson to travel with a North Carolina delegation to China, Russia, and Finland in a federal cultural exchange program to visit and observe Soviet and Chinese schools.
Mr. Johnson, an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served as bishop and branch president over three different congregations and in stake (regional) presidencies and high councils. He taught Institute (college-age), Seminary (high school-age), and Sunday school courses and filled many other roles.
Sought-after as a popular speaker, Johnson willingly shared his humor along with his wisdom; his quick, biting, persistent wit and often corny jokes found their way into private conversations as well as public presentations. He gave hundreds of talks at church and civic functions, conducted more than 30 funerals, and officiated at a dozen weddings.
An avid Tar Heel sports fan, Bill rarely missed a UNC basketball or football game -- on the radio, on television, or in person. He ensured his family was keenly aware of UNC history and culture.
Johnson thrived on travel, especially by car; he visited 48 states, eight Canadian provinces, and Mexico. In 1958, he hitchhiked to (and from) Grand Teton National Park and managed the front desk of the Jackson Lake Lodge before returning to North Carolina. He later took extended driving vacations in the American and Canadian West, weeks-long tours of New England and Eastern Canada, and tours of LDS historical sites.
As an enthusiastic foodie, Bill loved trying new dishes and places -- and sharing with the rest of the table. His most memorable recountings of professional meetings in New Orleans, San Francisco, Atlantic City, and elsewhere included enjoying new and varied food experiences. Bill loved beaches -- walking, swimming, bodysurfing, and lounging in the sun -- whether on day trips, weeklong vacations, alone, or with family. Also a roller coaster fanatic, he made several pilgrimages to Ohio’s Cedar Point and other similar parks. He enjoyed golf and was fortunate to play with lots of terrific golfers.
As a prolific amateur photographer, Bill documented the natural and historical places he visited as well as everyday and milestone family events. He especially took pride in capturing the growth of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Fantastic with kids, he sought them out and always gave them special attention. His most frequent introduction offered a spot-on Donald Duck impersonation. Bill loved the children in his family, his church families, and his communities.
Bill Johnson is survived by his cherished wife of 57 years, Martha; his children, William (Dianne) Johnson Jr. and Kelly (David) Neuenswander; his grandchildren, Courtney (Cameron) Howard, David (Leda) Johnson, and Ava, Luke, and Logan Neuenswander; and his great-grandchildren, Jackson, Caroline, Bracey, and Whitt Howard and Savannah and William Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Elizabeth “Betsy” (Gene) Ash.
The funeral service will be Friday, January 12, 2018, 11:00 a.m. in the LDS Stake Center at 3719 Pinetop Road, Greensboro, NC, 27410. Burial will follow at Guilford Memorial Park, 6000 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC, 27407.
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