William C. Johns

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William C. Johns, 76, of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born on October 14, 1949 in Worcester, Massachusetts to Christos and Sophia (née Chanis) Johns, Bill was beloved by friends and family alike, enjoying live music, golf, and especially, Boston sports.

As a young man, Bill was an active member of the St. Spirydon Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester, Massachusetts. Known for his floating hook shot, Bill was a talented basketball player, going on to play at Worcester Junior College, where he had many local admirers for years to follow. After leaving Worcester, Bill went on to attend college at Northwest Missouri State University, earning a Masters of Business Administration (MBA).

Upon graduating from college, Bill met his wife, Barbara, who was working as a nurse in the hospital where Bill was recovering from a back injury. They were married on June 28, 1975, and enjoyed a beautiful life together full of joy, laughter, adventure, and love. As they built their family in Hampton, New Hampshire, Bill thoroughly enjoyed watching his children play sports, introducing them to UNH Hockey and of course, the Celtics. He loved spending time on the golf course, having the best lawn on the block, driving meticulously-engineered vehicles, and simply being with his friends and loved ones. Upon his retirement, he and Barbara spent time traveling, taking in the arts and enjoying delicious food and wine. Following Barbara’s passing in 2018, Bill relocated to Williamsburg, Virginia to be closer to his adult children, where he met some of his best friends at Colonial Heritage.

Bill is preceded in death by his dear wife, Barbara Lee (Sandmann) Johns, his brother-in-law, Bradford Hebert, and his parents, Sophie and Chris. Left to grieve his passing are his siblings, Tina (Johns) Niedbala, and her husband, Ronnie, George Johns, and Connie (Johns) Hebert; his children, Kristin, Michael, and Michael’s wife Lisa (White) Johns, as well as his beloved granddaughter, Bobbie (Barbara), whom he cherished beyond measure.

A memorial service and celebration of a life well-lived will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg, Virginia, on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 2:00pm-4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the American Heart Association.