William “Bill” Johnson, Jr. was born on May 27, 1938, in Paragould, Arkansas, and passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He lived a full, faithful life rooted in love for his family, service to others, and devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bill was the son of William A. Johnson and Frances Trice Johnson and the younger brother of his beloved sister, Mary Frances (“Fran”). At age 13, he moved with his family from Paragould to Jonesboro, a place that would become home for the rest of his life. He graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1956, where he was a proud member of the golf team and made lifelong friendships.

Bill went on to attend Vanderbilt University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and becoming a member of the ATO fraternity. It was at Vanderbilt where he met the love of his life, Carole O’Daniel of Mayfield, Kentucky. They were married on August 19, 1961, beginning a marriage that lasted 64 years, a true partnership built on love, patience, faith, and commitment. To those who knew them, Bill and Carole shared a full and active life, spending countless hours on the golf course, the tennis courts, and with friends they loved.

Bill was a devoted husband and a proud father to their three children: Trice, Will, and Fran. Nothing meant more to him than his family, including son-in-law Chip Thomas and daughter-in- law Andrea Zolper Johnson. He took deep joy in watching his children build their lives and was endlessly proud of his six grandchildren – Clay, Tyler, Dylan, Isaac, Gabriel, and Lucy, who lovingly knew him as “Pop.”

Professionally, Bill spent most of his career in sales and sales management. He was especially proud to have been part of the original sales team that introduced what would become revolutionary medical technology, the CAT scanner, knowing that his work helped improve and save lives.

Bill believed strongly in giving back. He volunteered countless hours in his community, including long-time service at a local food pantry and many years with Habitat for Humanity, where he also served as past president of the Jonesboro chapter. He didn’t volunteer for recognition; he did it because he believed it was the right thing to do.

Above all else, Bill was a faithful servant of God. His life was guided by his belief in Jesus Christ, not just in words, but in actions. He was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School for 30 years, served as an usher, and sat on the church board. Teaching others about faith and living it out quietly and consistently was one of his greatest joys.

Bill lived the way he believed, loving deeply, serving humbly, and showing up for the people who mattered most. He will be remembered for his grit, his quick wit, his steady faith, and the way he kept going, no matter what life threw at him.

His legacy lives on in his family, his church, and the many lives he touched simply by living a good and faithful life.

Memorials in remembrance of Bill can be sent to the First United Methodist Church, 801 S. Main, Jonesboro, AR 72401