Willie Bryant Johnson, age 87 of Warren, died Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at home surrounded by his wife & girls. He was born September 14, 1931 in Alabama, son of the late George Henry and the late Era Elma (nee: Harrison) Johnson.
Born and raised in Alabama, Willie was 24 years old when he heard the voice of opportunity calling his name to come to Michigan where the work was plentiful. The year was 1955, and the automotive industry was booming. The wars were over, homes were going up everywhere, and everyone wanted to be in a shiny new car. So Willie headed north to be a part of the action. His job hunt didn’t take long before walking in the doors at TRW in Warren where he was invited to become part of the team of suppliers to the automotive industry. Willie was a loyal and dedicated employee, and was proud of his contribution as an auto inspector. He devoted the best he had to the job and always had his nose to the grindstone. After many years of service excellence, Willie finally accepted his well-deserved retirement and began a new chapter in life as a Golden Warrior.
Along the way, Willie met the beautiful Miss Barbara Ann Dickman, the woman who would change his life forever. Dating turned to love, and love blossomed into promising themselves to each other,…a marriage they would share for the next 48 years. Together, they were blessed with three beautiful girls, Paula, Lori and Carrie, and their family unit was complete.
As the girls grew older, they would come to know a special trait in their Daddy,…his love for telling stories, especially when he was regaling them with stories about Alabama,…and even more so, sharing stories about Alabama football ~ “BAMA!” He could spend hours keeping you abreast of such things as the incoming recruits to future opponents, and so much more. Willie was truly a consummate supporter and fan of BAMA football,…and even subscribed to the team’s magazine. With all due chuckles, his family tells of the time when the magazine suffered a delay in its delivery,…and Willie was convinced that the mailman was parked somewhere reading HIS magazine. But whether it was football or some other category, Willie truly had the gift of gab and was always poised to share, yet, another fine story from his plethora of subjects. And with most of them, a few giggles were sure to ensue.
Willie poured himself into his family,…always keen to celebrate a birthday, always ready to add that special spark to the holidays, and excited to help make the memories to last a lifetime. And some of those special memories were created around the card table in a rousing game of Poker. Nothing says fun quite like a bunch of family or friends around the table, sipping on some liquid encouragement, and slingin’ the cards in hopes of getting that winning hand.
Another of Willie’s passions was enjoyed with each trip he made up north to join the boys on their deer hunting excursions to Oscoda and Rose City. Oh sure,…Willie took his gun with him. But in all the years he made that trek northward, no deer ever came home with him. It must have been merely a “fraternal thing,”…the pleasure of being with a few of his buddies, telling some stories (go figure?), and simply chalking it up to a little Deer Camp Camaraderie!
Willie will also be remembered for his love of gardening. Possessing a green thumb and the heart of a horticulturalist, Willie poured the best parts of his TLC into nurturing the vast array of vegetables he planted each year,…right up until harvest time. But the finest garden he ever tended to was the “Garden of Love” he found in those four delightful women who complimented his life, his devoted wife and daughters. They were truly the roses in his life, and he nurtured their growth from the depths of his love within. Willie’s garden was a thing of splendor,…both, the one in the yard, and the one in his heart. He lived, he loved, and he laughed,…and he leaves a unique and genuine legacy of love to be embraced with each reflection shared. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.
Willie was the beloved husband of Barbara. Cherished father of Paula (Matthew) Japowicz, Lori Cordier, and Carrie Johnson. Loving grandfather of Alicia, Gwendalyn, and Bryant. He was also the dear brother of Pauline “Polly” Jordan, and was preceded in death by siblings; Henry Guy Johnson, Maurine Bouldin, Raymond David Johnson, J.F. (Jeanette ~ who remains to cherish his memory) Johnson, and James Johnson. Willie is also survived by siblings on Barbara’s side, Andrew (Donna) Dickman and Marie (Dennis) Polega.
Visitation for Willie will be held Monday, June 10th from 3-9 pm, with a 7 pm Funeral Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren.
Memorial donations are welcomed to the American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, Michigan 48076. (www.cancer.org)
Please share memories of Willie at his guest book below.
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