Billy Joe Johnson

27, 2025. He was born on January 16, 1936, in Tanner, MO, to the late John and Pearl Mouser

Johnson.

On March 26, 1956, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Betty Smith Johnson, in Senatobia,

MS. Their love and devotion carried them through nearly seven decades of marriage. Betty

survives him at their home, cherishing the countless memories they created together.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Cheryl (David) White of Sikeston; two

sons, Billy (Kristi) Johnson of Dexter; Tim (Tammy) Johnson of Sikeston; two brothers, Terry

(Lois) Johnson of Belle; and Johnny (Kathy) Johnson of St. Peters; one sister Betty Foster of

Maynard, AR; four grandchildren Sarah (Ned) Walton of Baltimore; Betsy (Zack) Krebs of St

Louis; Morgan (Sherwin) Jones O’Fallon; Adam (Brooke) Johnson of Sikeston; and six

great-grandchildren Lucy, Hazel, Owen, Clara, Graham, and Ella. He was preceded in death by

his parents, John and Pearl and two brothers, Harold and Jackie Johnson.

Bill attended Canalou High School, where he served as alumni president and maintained

lifelong friendships. His career in the transportation industry began humbly, but his dedication

and leadership saw him rise to the position of Director of Maintenance for East Texas Motor

Freight in St. Louis. Later, he became the owner and operator of AAA Trailer Repair Company in

Memphis, TN. After years of hard work and dedication, he concluded his career as the Director

of Safety at Wooten Transports, retiring in 2000. Upon retirement, Bill and Betty returned to their roots in the Bootheel, where they embraced the peace of country living.

A proud member of the Sikeston Masonic Lodge #310 and a Shriner, Bill found joy and purpose

in his community service. He especially loved his time as a Shriner clown, affectionately known

as “Sheriff,” bringing laughter and happiness to children and adults alike.

Bill’s passion for bluegrass music was unmatched. A gifted musician, he could often be found

strumming his guitar or picking the banjo, surrounded by the sounds of the music he loved. He

enjoyed countless fishing trips at Wappapello Lake, peaceful hunts in the hills of Piedmont, and,

above all, treasured time spent with his grandchildren, who lovingly called him Papa.

Bill’s warm spirit, unwavering dedication to family, and love for life will forever remain in the

hearts of those who knew him. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend

who will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Nunnelee Funeral

Chapel in Sikeston, MO. The funeral service will immediately follow with Danny Kuykendall

officiating. Following the service, Bill will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston.

Serving as pallbearers will be JB Small, Jack Johnson, Johnny Johnson Jr., Terry Johnson Jr.,

Robert White, and David Foster. Honorary pallbearers include Adam Johnson, Zack Krebs, Ned

Walton, Sherwin Jones, Larry White, Dillard White, Mark White, and Jeff White.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com for the Johnson family.