William Ralph Johnson

LIZELLA – William Ralph (Bill) Johnson passed away Saturday, June 5, 2010 at Emory University Hospital. Services will be held Wednesday, June 9, 2:00 pm at Snow’s Memorial Chapel on Pio Nono with entombment to follow in the mausoleum at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Tuesday from 7:00-9:00 pm at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Pio Nono.

Bill was the son of the late Leroy Johnson of Alma, GA and Nadine Crapps McElmurray of Lizella, GA. Bill was retired from Armstrong World Industries after 30 years of service. He was a Vietnam veteran having served with the United States Marine Corps, where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Rifle Sharpshooter and Pistol Expert. Bill was an All American Past State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) from 1999-2000, where he was awarded “Mr. VFW” of the year in 2001. He served as Post Commander of VFW Post 658 for over 20 years.

Bill was a Life Legacy member of VFW Post 658, a Life Member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9, American Legion Post 3, a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 443, Life Member of Marine Corps League and Middle GA Detachment 970, Life Member of Military Order of the Purple Heart Association, and a member of the MOC and National Rifle Association.

Bill was preceded in death by two brothers: Bobby Johnson and Bennie Johnson.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Judy Miller Johnson of Lizella, Georgia; loving daughter, Marsha Lynn Johnson Howell (Rocky), Danville, GA; a grandson whom he loved and cherished and spoiled, Austin-Lee William Howell; stepfather, James McElmurray of Lizella; step-grandchildren, Hunter Howell, Chelsea Howell; half sisters: Natalie Fox of Lizella, Kathy Wilburn (Chas) of Macon, and several nephews and nieces and cousins.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to VFW Post 658, 4864 Harrison Road, Macon, 31206. Family will receive friends at the daughter’s home in Danville.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express tributes.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Services, Pio Nono Avenue has charge of arrangements.