Bill Johnson went home at the age of 96 to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 22, 2025 in New Braunfels, Texas. Born on December 17, 1928 in Anderson, South Carolina he was the son of William McKinley Johnson Sr. and Ollie Sue Crawford Johnson. They moved to Houston,Texas during his teen years.
Bill joined the Air Force in 1952 during the Korean war where he received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal of Honor. He was honorably discharged as a jet airplane mechanic 1 in 1956. This began a lifelong career of Bill working as a mechanic in different capacities including his own service station.
Bill married his best friend and the love of his life, Erna Ruth King Daily on December 17, 1976 after meeting at an archery competition. It was truly a match made in Heaven even though we have heard that Erna was the better archer. They enjoyed many happy years as a couple dancing and doing everything together. Bill adored Erna and his last thoughts were of her and securing her well being. They were married for 48 years at Bill’s passing.
Bill was an excellent athlete, having played baseball in high school and fast pitch softball in the air force, was a great bowler and was still playing pickle ball at 92 of age. He was very proud about that! He was a talented musician. In his younger years, he sang and played the mandolin in a gospel quartet in churches with his father and brother.
A man of strong Christian faith, Bill never missed an opportunity to share his love of Jesus Christ with everyone. He never met a stranger and with his endearing personality became everyone’s friend. He had a story or a joke for every occasion which he shared with much laughter and enjoyment. He loved to tell his stories. Bill had a tender heart for animals and especially birds. He turned his property into a sanctuary and took great care of all the large variety of birds that would visit there.
Along with his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his son Michael E. Johnson, his grandson Michael E. Johnson Jr, and his older brothers Jack and Jimmy Johnson.
He is survived by his wife, Erna Johnson, two stepsons Mike (Patti) and David Daily, two step granddaughters Alyson (Matt) Newland and Kelsey (Tyler) Lee, grandson Kory Johnson and step grandson Tyler Daily, close nephews Rod (Karen) Johnson and Rick (Lorraine) Johnson and niece Donna Lee.
The family would like to extend special thanks and recognition to caregivers (friends) Carrie Hillabrant, Justine Trujillo and special friends Dennis and Rhonda Ray, Cindy Elissague, Racheal and Bill Lowman for the love and support they gave Bill and Erna in the last few years.
Memorial Service: First United Methodist Church
572 W. San Antonio St.
New Braunfels, Texas 78130
April 11th, 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Bill’s love of birds, the family suggests a memorial donation to:
Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary
19349 Old Wiederstein Road
Cibolo, Texas 78108
or by credit card: http://www.warblerwoods.org/donatesupport.html
