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William Johnson Obituary
William Woodward Johnson, who served as the club's chairman from 1998 to 2006, did not waver when making a decision that involved the private club or the Masters golf tournament, some unpopular and some controversial.
His biggest test came in 2003 when Johnson became embroiled in a very public squabble with Martha Burk, president of the National Council of Women's Organizations, over the club's lack of female membership. Johnson pointed out that women play many rounds at Augusta each year and that membership issues were exclusively a club decision.
Johnson said he wouldn't have his mind changed at the ""point of a bayonet.""
He stepped down from the chairman position on May 5, 2006, but continued to visit Augusta National. He was succeeded by now-chairman Billy Payne. Payne said in a statement that he admired Johnson's "genuine and unrelenting respect for the traditions and vision of the Club and Tournament." The statement also said:
"At all times, Hootie selflessly served as my personal mentor on matters here at Augusta National and the Masters, as well as in business and life. He impressed upon me his obsession for constant improvement and a love for Augusta National that will forever remain unmatched. As the current Chairman, I owe an immeasurable debt to Hootie Johnson, and I will thank him every day for what he has meant to me personally as well as to the legacy of Augusta National and the Masters."
Funeral services for Johnson will be 2 p.m. Monday at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Johnson
29 Entries
July 21, 2017
Dear Pierrine and family,
My heartfelt sympathy to you and yours. "Hootie's Hall" in Darla Moore's building will always bring memories of him during concerts in that venue.
Podie Brunton
Samuel Dix
July 20, 2017
I Am very sorry for your lost John 1:29, 1John I:7,
Peter Ponta
July 18, 2017
Thank you "Hootie", for your stewardship of Augusta National, and for a life we
are most proud and pleased to always remember.
MARCEL T
July 18, 2017
I 'm so sorry for your loss. Although your grief may seem unbearable, know that God wants to comfort you. Pour out your heart to him in prayer and experience the peace that only he can give. JEREMIAH 29:11
NM
July 17, 2017
May the God of comfort be with the Johnson family in these trouble times. I am so sorry for your loss
James Dickson, MD
July 17, 2017
Our heartfelt condolences to the Johnson Family. Hottie will be missed by all but leaves a wonderful legacy. Our prayers are with you. Jim Dickson and the entire staff at EyeConsultants.
Maria Gonda Smoak
July 17, 2017
My most sincere sympathy to the Johnson girls. I fondly recall our 2 years together when all of us were new arrivals at Dentsville High; and how your Dad welcomed the Gonda girls into your home for sleepovers and many other fun times! May God bless and comfort each of you and your sweet Mom. Sending much love.
July 17, 2017
My deepest sympathy to his family. May Almighty God grant you peace as you cope with your loss. Jer.29:11
Darryll and Janice Albert
July 16, 2017
Sorry for your lost. May God strengthen you all during this time.
Jack Graybill
July 16, 2017
Pierrine,
Susan and I and our four girls send our deepest condolences and prayers to you and your four girls.
With much love and fondest regards,
Jack and Susan Graybill
Donna Baigas
July 16, 2017
Jennifer, Marie, Sally, Jane, & Mrs. Johnson, I will be forever grateful to your Mom & Dad for being 2nd parents to me during my college years. Boy, did we have fun at the Johnson's house. Then, we had wedding celebrations their too. Your Dad was a super father, grandfather, and mentor to many. We'll hold our memories close. God's peace to all of you and your dear families.
Eric Westbury
July 16, 2017
My condolences to the entire family of Mr. William " Hootie" Johnson.
I had the pleasure of spending some time with him early in my career at Bankers Trust/NCNB and want the family to know your husband/father positively impacted my life and I am sure many others in ways he did not know.
He was a true gentleman in all respects!
May God continue holding your family in his loving arms.
Terri Springs
July 16, 2017
I am the daughter of Jack and Sara Springs. My father always smiled and laughed when telling "Hootie" Johnson stories. What great respect and admiration he had for his friend "Hootie." Mom and Dad will be there to greet him on the other side. God Bless and be with your family now and always!
Patrick DeLozier
July 16, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Mr. Hottie Johnson was such a great man and served as a mentor to me during my time at Augusta National and beyond. We had many great conversations about my career, business and Gamecock football. I will misss him dearly.
As he used to always say to me: "Go Gamecocks"
July 15, 2017
What a loss..remember all the good days Years ago at SVCC...Sally your gorgeous picture you made. Us has A Very Special place in our kitchen!! Love and our thoughts always.Trula and John Wright..Charlottesville, Va.
Henry Finch
July 15, 2017
To the Johnson family, I extend my heartfelt sympathy, our prayers go out to you at this time.
July 15, 2017
Dear Perrine, Sorry for your loss. Hootie did
great things in his life time. Your memories
will get you through this hard time.
Remembering you and your family with love and prayers. Margie Willis Clary( Greenwood
High, 1949
Debbie Lamm
July 15, 2017
Sally, Ronnie, Holt, and Sarah, Many friends from Charlotte Latin School send our deepest sympathy.
Emmett Brooks
July 15, 2017
Pierrine, through the years since Hi School both you and Hootie have remained in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Emmett (Buster) Brooks
July 15, 2017
To Marie and John and all of your family, please know that I am sending my love and thinking of you. He was a wonderful man who loved his family, his state, and his country. Love, Martha Buice Fairey
Janice Adams/ Butler
July 15, 2017
I was deeply saddened by the news of your daddy.
Sally , Marie , Jennifer , Jane and Mrs.Johnson , I will always remember the fun times we shared together . Way too many to mention. I had the up most respect for both of your parents . I was with daddy yesterday when we heard the heartbreaking news . All I could think of was what you all were going through. Then , my daddy, starting reminiscing about his time with your daddy through business and friendship. There was much to talk about. There were times of reflection and also laughter that they made it through our teen years . I know that you loved him and God blessed you with a great man to call dad . We know what he achieved in the relm of business, but by far his greatest love was family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all . We grieve with you and for you.
Love , Janice and Buddy
Mary Beth Harris
July 15, 2017
To the whole Wrenn family I send my sincerest condolences. I remember Holt and Sarah as loving their grandfather very much. May he Rest In Peace. Love, Mary Beth Harris.
mary lou mapp
July 15, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love to you and the family.
Keeter Horton
July 15, 2017
Pierrine
I am so sorry for your loss. May God Bless you and your family.
Lovingly,
Keeter Horton
james carlisle
July 15, 2017
Hope and thankfulness. James Carlisle
Chuck Ruff
July 15, 2017
A truly great guy, and an All American business leader!
Chuck Plowden
July 15, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Thea
July 15, 2017
I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. And may your family find comfort love and strength and with the support of family and friends at this time.
Donna (Geiger) Bell
July 14, 2017
So sorry for your loss.... I know he was such a well respected and loved man. Prayers for Peace and strength during this difficult time.
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