William Durward Johnson

William “Bill” Durward Johnson was born in Newark, Ohio on May 29, 1937. Raised by a loving single working mother and devoted grandparents, Bill remembered fondly his nostalgic childhood growing up in a working-class neighborhood spending afternoons bicycling with his friends. His first job was delivering newspapers early mornings even in the bitter cold of Ohio winters!

After graduating from Hebron High School, Bill took a job at Ted’s Garage. “Blackie” pumped gas, checked tires, and fell in love with classic 50’s cars. Even more importantly, he also fell in love with the high-diving star of the local water show as he washed the windshield of her ’52 Chevy convertible. Bill and Sherry were married in a small family ceremony a year later, the start of an adventure lasting almost 65 years.

Settling in Buckeye Lake, Ohio, they started a family – a little girl that would be followed by two sons. Of all the jobs he had in his life, Bill loved being a father the most! For the first time in his life, he opened his heart to Christ’s calling, and was led to the Seventh-day Adventist Church by his young wife. They attended faithfully with their family, and when he looked for a job that would provide a future for them, he knew that he needed one that would allow him to be off on Sabbath. The Buckeye Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant brought him on as an entry level tech and allowed him to be in church each week. It was the start of an esteemed professional career.

Bill studied and received his “A” license in both water and wastewater treatment, and the family moved to Carey and then Dayton, Ohio as he moved up in management. In 1971, the family of five took the vacation of their dreams in Florida. For three weeks they camped in the July heat, falling in love with the beaches of Ft. DeSoto, the Everglades, and the Florida Keys. They vowed that they would be in Florida permanently within the year.

Imagine the excitement as they pulled the moving truck into their home in Tampa, Florida almost exactly a year later, Bill having secured a job with the State of Florida. He and the family found a church family home at the Tampa First SDA Church. Bill and Sherry quickly became leaders in the kids’ departments and Bill an active Elder. They were part of the church team that built the current house of worship, as well as expanding the then-Tampa Junior Academy into a high school facility. Bill believed in Christian education and was committed to having his children be part of it. He was happiest on Sabbath, when the family went to worship; Sabbath afternoons were spent outdoors in his beautiful new home state, exploring parks and many times canoeing the rivers!

Bill’s professional years were full of growth and groundbreaking accomplishments. He built a reputation for his total involvement in operations, from teaching to mentoring many of the managers today in the Tampa Bay area and many who have advanced to executive roles elsewhere. He was one of the original developers and educators for the mandatory operator licensing requirements developed in the state of Florida for water and wastewater treatment. Bill was a leader in water issues, water reuse and the pioneering of many of the Hillsborough areas systems of today. As Director of Utilities for St. Petersburg, he implemented the Reclaimed Water System. His expertise in this system led to invitations to speak on the subject internationally. In 1987 Bill fulfilled a lifelong dream by receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, with his family in attendance.

In 1985, Bill was inducted into the Florida Select Society of Sanity Sludge Shovelers (FSSSSS). As part of the Florida Water Environment Association, the FSSSSS recognizes industry professionals for their outstanding, meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty to the organization. Members are awarded a lapel shovel pin which was to be worn at association functions. He was so proud of being a part of this society and catching Bill Johnson without his shovel was a rare opportunity! After an amazing and industry changing career, he retired in 2001.

As his children left home and grandchildren came, Bill was always happiest at family and church functions. Exploring Fort De Soto as he did with his kids, boating and exploring the parks was a wonderful past time. Bill and Sherry had the opportunity to travel with friends – the Southwest being an absolute favorite destination! Not long after he retired, the family began a “Family Vacation” tradition – renting large homes where everyone could come together for cooking meals, games, visiting local sites and creating memories. Ellijay, the Grand Canyon, Blue Ridge, Helen, Rainbow River and St. Augustine were just a few of the vacation destinations!

Bill loved Jesus and loved ministry. He particularly loved the role of greeter at the front door each week of the St Petersburg church, believing that if the love of Jesus wasn’t seen there, folks would turn away - and he was right. It didn’t matter what you wore or where you were from, there was a seat waiting with Bill’s family. Generations of young people remembered the Junior Sabbath School class he taught with Sherry, and the weekly clubs at church. Monthly Men’s Ministry was bringing together the men of the church – visitors and family too! – to make a big breakfast followed by a mission outreach such as cleaning a yard or repairing something that needed fixed for someone who wasn’t able. It was easy to believe in a loving God if you saw him through Bill.

Three years ago, Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. He put in place a plan for the family to be together and fought the progression with his quiet strength. Spending more time with family, sitting on the back porch enjoying the wildlife, and watching TV with Sherry became the theme. As the disease progressed, his mobility was impaired, and words were hard to find; but he always had a beautiful smile waiting when loved ones walked through the door and he maintained the impish personality that made it impossible not to love him. His grand and great-grandchildren knew him as “Grandpa Sherry Johnson” and could often be found in his living room playing with the 1950’s models or watching nature shows.

Shortly before Christmas, Bill suffered a stroke at home, and on December 28, 2021, he passed away quietly there. His family assured him repeatedly that when his eyes opened again, he would see them – and Jesus. He was not in pain and was confident of who was waiting for him.

Bill is remembered by his loving wife of almost 65 years, Sherry; children Julie Bacon (Ben), son David Johnson, daughter in law Jennifer Johnson; seven grandchildren (and spouses); and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by son Steven Johnson, and grandson Mitchell Johnson.

Bill spent many years volunteering for the Ronald McDonald House at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. He loved everything about that role, but in particular loved being a listening ear for the young fathers with ill children. In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family requests donations be made in his name to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, 35 Davis Blvd, Tampa, Florida 33606. Donations can also be made online at https://rmhctampabay.org. Due to the times we live in plans for an in-person memorial have been placed on hold.

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever." 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17

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