William R. Johnson

William Raymond Johnson, known to many as “Bill” and affectionately as “Pap,” passed away on May 3, 2026, at the age of 74 in Altamonte Springs, Florida, surrounded by his family and close friends.

Bill was born on January 13, 1952, in Sayre, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Sayre Area High School in 1969 and went on to attend Williamsport Area Community College, graduating in 1971. He built a long and dedicated career in the automotive and manufacturing industries, working for BorgWarner Automotive in Ithaca, New York, followed by Corning Incorporated in Corning, NY. Through his hard work and commitment, he was able to retire early and enjoy the life he had built.

In retirement, Bill split his time between Athens, Pennsylvania, and Merritt Island, Florida, embracing the things he loved most.

Bill had a lifelong passion for bowling. He proudly supported his son, Nathan, traveling around the country to cheer him on at bowling events. Bill was deeply involved in junior bowling programs, coaching and mentoring young bowlers for many years. He also founded the annual “Stars of the Lanes” tournament, which became a beloved community event. In recognition of his dedication and accomplishments, he was inducted into the Valley Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1989 at Valley Bowling Center in Waverly, New York.

Outside of bowling, Bill loved live music, karaoke, and spending time with family and friends. During retirement, he especially enjoyed evenings with his daughter and grandchildren at Disney’s Epcot watching concerts together. In his final weeks, he found comfort in listening to his daughter and grandson practice guitar, offering advice and encouragement while sharing his love of music with them.

Bill’s greatest happiness came from being “Pap-Pap” to his beloved grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his mother, Betty Johnson, and his brother, Lynn Johnson.

He is survived by his son, Nathan Johnson of Elmira, New York; his daughter, Ashley Fittipaldi (Johnson) of Heathrow, Florida; and his son-in-law, Michael Clay; brother, Paul Johnson and sister-in-law Kathy Johnson, several nieces and nephews and his beloved grandchildren, Summer and Brody Fittipaldi.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held this summer, at the Strike Shack Tiki Bar at Valley Bowling Center, on Friday, July 31, 2026 from 5-7pm, with live music starting at 7pm. RSVP: https://fb.me/2ecjPSCIqDeefWp

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to United States Bowling Congress Education Scholarship fund for youth bowlers: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/scholarship-fund-in-memory-of-william-bill-johnson

Bill will be remembered for his love of family, his easygoing nature, his dedication to others, and the joy he found in life’s simple moments.