William Edward Johnson

William Edward Johnson. Where do we begin. One of the warmest, kindest, compassionate, loyal, hard-working, dedicated of men to have ever walked this Earth. Bill, or Uncle Willie, as he was known by most all family and friends, passed away peacefully and quietly surrounded by family on January 7, 2023 in Westminster, MD. Few men/women are able to immediately touch the lives of anyone they come in contact with, but Bill was able to do just that. Ask anyone who knew him, and they will tell you he left a mark in which made him memorable. Born and raised in South Baltimore in the 1930s and 40s, Locust Point to be specific, he grew up in an age when everybody knew everybody on every block and the world felt smaller. It was during this time he met his eventual wife, who he affectionally called "his Redhead".

He now joins his beautiful wife, his Redhead, Joan Allbritton Johnson in Heaven. To see the love this man had for his wife was an inspiration for all. One story he loved to tell of her was of when he was young man and joined the Army. Like many young men back in the early 40s and 50s, he came home one day to his mother and father for dinner and there was an envelope on the kitchen table with his name on it. It was from the US Government, and it was informing him that he was drafted to enlist in the Army for the Korean War. A scary thought for any person to imagine, he bravely accepted and was off to Fort Meade. But he knew in his heart he couldn't be away from his Redhead for long. He loved to tell of the times he snuck out under the fence at Fort Meade and snuck onto a train to get back to Baltimore just so he could see her and give her a kiss during tough times.

He also now joins his daughter Barbara Anne Johnson in Heaven. Bill was a fierce protector of his daughters throughout their lives, welcoming her into his home and caring for Barbara throughout her last few years on Earth. He leaves behind his other daughter, Patricia Carol Johnson. Just as with Barbara, Bill was Pattie's greatest champion throughout his life, supporting her in every way possible. Not only was he a rock to lean on when needed, but he was a breath of fresh air, someone who could make you laugh and make you realize good things were always coming right around the corner.

Perhaps his proudest role was that of grandfather and recent great grandfather. He has two grandsons, William Robert Barnett (wife Emily) and Nicholas Michael Barnett (fiancé Maddie). He was a man to look up to for all, and a man to aspire to be. As a constantly present grandparent, he created an eternally bright light in both Wil and Nick’s life. Whether it was picking them up from school, or cheering at every little league game/event, he was the man. Just last year he finally was able to assume a new role, that of Great Grandfather, to a beautiful new redhead, Olivia Ryen Barnett. I know it brought him tremendous joy, and I'm sure her red hair made him think of his Joanie.

He was a simple man, a real Locust Pointer. He started out as a meter-reader for Baltimore Gas and Electric, then worked tirelessly until he finally assumed the role of Director of Human Relations. To this day, he still had people at BGE reach out to him for advice. He always took great pride in his work and is remembered as a kind and respected professional.

He will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him, but we can all take solace knowing he's in a heavenly place now and with his wife and daughter.

While being the light in every room, he was never one to seek out attention or adulation from anyone, so in honor of that, we ask that in lieu of flowers you please send donations to the St Jude Children's Research Hospital, per his request. Selfless to the end. That was Bill Johnson. That was "Daddy". That was "Uncle Willie". That was "Granddad.”

Relatives and Friends are invited to visit at the Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, MD 21075 on Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 11:30AM to 1:00PM, where a Funeral Service will follow at 1:00PM. Burial Meadowridge Memorial Park.

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