William Richard Johnson also known as 'Bill' was born on January 10, 1943 in Biscoe, NC to John Robert and Emma Louise Butler Johnson. He confessed Christ at an early age at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Biscoe, NC. After receiving his diploma in 1961 from Peabody High School in Troy, NC, he worked at Blake's Restaurant (Candor, NC) and Spring Mills (Biscoe, NC) before being drafted to serve his country. Bill was a member of U.S. Army Company A First Battalion, 11 ^th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and was honorably discharged in 1967. In the Army, he received badges in the following areas: Parachutist, Expert (Rifle M-14), and Sharpshooter (Rifle M-16) as well as a National Defense Service Medal. Upon completion of his active duty military service he moved to Greensboro, NC and worked at the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement. He completed his postal supervision course in 1975 and served as a postal supervisor in the Bulk Mail Acceptance Department for many years. While working at the U.S. Postal Service, he also completed training for an electrician designation at Guilford Technical Community College. Upon his retirement from the postal service he pursued a life-long dream to drive an 18-wheeler and obtained his Commercial Driver's License. He worked for Schneider Trucking Company for several years and subsequently held several seasonal driving jobs in his later years.

Bill was active in the Masons, Shriners, and the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a 32 ^nd degree Mason (Prince Hall Affiliation) in St. John's Lodge #12 and the Greensboro Consistory #106. In July 1972, he became a noble of the Mystic Shrine through Khalif Temple No. 144 and later he served as Potentate. Bill faithfully served 25 years in the U.S. Army Reserves in a variety of roles and received several commendations for his performance. He was promoted to Drill Sergeant at the 108 ^th Division (Training) at Fort Jackson, SC in 1982. After his retirement from the U.S. Army Reserves, he still supported the local Reserve unit by participating in various events and was an active member of the 108 ^th Division Army Reserve Retired Reunion.

"Bill" was an outgoing, friendly person and he never met a stranger. He lived a life of service to others and would help anyone in need. He dearly loved his family and friends. Bill enjoyed traveling, learning how to improve his health and quality of life, and had a special passion for working on cars. He will certainly be missed by his family, neighborhood, Lodge, Army Reserve colleagues, and the Greensboro and Biscoe communities.

Mr. Johnson transitioned from this earthly life on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at his home in Greensboro, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Robert and Emma Louise Johnson, a sister, Betty Richardson, and a nephew, Mark Johnson. He leaves to mourn his memory, children: Anthony Johnson, Candor, NC, Eric Leake (Jean), Chicago, IL, Barbara J. Johnson, Chicago, IL, Danielle Chavis (Derrick), Chester, VA; sisters, Johnsie Johnson, Candor, NC, Sarah J. Johnson, Nancy Gainey, Linda K. Johnson, and Elaine Moore, all of Biscoe, NC; brother, Danny E. Johnson (Biscoe, NC); grandchildren: Lucretia Johnson of Winston-Salem, NC, Bianca Johnson and Michael Barrett both of Bradenton, FL, Jessica (Catrell) Covington, Joshua, Caleb, and Elijah Leake all of Chicago, IL, Jalin Johnson, Wesley Powell, and Dallas Chavis of Chester, VA; 5 great grandchildren; special friend, Jacqueline Ijames of Woodleaf, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the Goldie Hargett Memorial Chapel, 905 E. Market Street, Greensboro.  Visitation with the family begins at 10:00 am followed by the service at 11:00 am.