Frederick William Johnson

Frederick William Johnson went to be with our Lord on Friday, April 30, 2021. William was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on May 29, 1931. He was the oldest child of Frederick William Johnson Sr. and Mattie Woodard Johnson and brother to the late Dr. James Woodard Johnson.

William happily spent his childhood in Minden, graduating from Minden High School and then Louisiana Tech University. Upon graduation from college, William moved back to Shreveport where he met and married Diane Player Johnson. Together they built a wonderful family and created many happy memories.

William began his career working with IBM. After two years, he entered the life insurance business with Mutual of New York. Committed to professional education, William earned the advanced designations of Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). William was also inducted into MONY’s Hall of Fame, as well as numerous other insurance awards. William enjoyed his profession and sought to stay active, he was with this company for over 65 years.

William was active in many organizations. He served as President of the East Ridge Country Club, the Shreveport Life Underwriter Association and Chartered Life Underwriters Association. He was also an active member of the Downtown Shreveport Rotary Club with many of his friends.

William loved to be with friends and family. Lake Bistineau was a special place to him where he spent a lot of his time! Whether it was riding jet skis, full throttle at age 80, or hosting his Sunday school class for a fish fry, William was happy to be near the water. He shared this same passion for his beloved alma mater, Louisiana Tech, which held a proud place in his heart. He enjoyed loading up his friends and family in the van and driving to Ruston for a Bulldogs football game or a Lady Techsters basketball game.

William’s greatest joy and legacy were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Fondly known as Papaw, he was quick to offer an open lap, a word of encouragement, a good joke, sound advice, and unconditional love. You could always count on Papaw to keep his word. His example of loyalty, commitment, and fatherhood has created a family bond that continues to remain.

William is survived by his wife of 65 years, Diane Player Johnson, and his four children: Robert Johnson and his wife Laila of Dallas, TX; Wayne Johnson and his wife Carolyn of Shreveport, LA; Susanne Bancroft and her husband Bill of Dallas, TX; and Roger Johnson and his wife Michelle of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Marshall Johnson and his wife Megan of Shreveport, LA; Stafford Johnson and his fiancé Chrissy of Shreveport, LA; Will Bancroft of Los Angeles, CA; Elizabeth Bernet and her husband Charlie of Dallas, TX; Grace Bancroft of Dallas, TX; Chloie Johnson, Taylor Johnson and Clair Johnson of Dallas, TX. William also has four great-grandchildren: William and Aela Johnson of Shreveport, LA and Bodie and Rudy Bernet of Dallas, TX.

The entire family expresses our deepest gratitude and appreciation for Maude Warner for the care and comfort she has given to William and Diane, and all of us, over the past year.

A visitation for William will be held Wednesday, May 5, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108, followed by a Celebration of his Life beginning at 11:00 AM. A private burial will be held in Centuries Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Community Renewal.