Johnny Williams, 88, went home to be with the Lord Saturday evening, February 21, 2015. Johnny was a father of three, grandfather of eleven, great grandfather of ten, great-great grandfather of one, husband of Mary Lou Ballard Williams for almost 70 years, and a friend and teacher of many in San Angelo, Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland and other areas, where they both were always active members of their local Baptist Church. Johnny was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He worked as a district sales-manager for the Ralston Purina Company for nearly 30 years before leaving there to fly for a few local firms in Texas.

Johnny and Mary moved back to San Angelo on July 4, 1976, and have lived here ever since. He worked as a real estate broker here in San Angelo in the early 1980's and developed the Ducote Airpark flying community just west of town where he and Mary lived for nearly 40 years with other like-minded flying enthusiasts. Johnny operated his own Williams Aircraft Company, a nationally recognized aircraft salvage business, at Ducote where he became known as the "go-to-guy" if you had any problems with aircraft of any type, needed a part of some kind that you couldn't find anywhere else, or just needed some expert advice on flying. He taught a ground school for beginning pilots for many years at the local college and instructed over 50 people many who obtained their private pilot's license, as well as many more in advanced certifications. He designed and built at least two or more parts for aircraft that were approved and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Johnny lived a good long life and will be missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his two brothers Eston Dawson (Buddy) Williams and Clifford Thomas (Boots) Williams. He is survived by his loving wife Mary, his two sons from Fort Worth, TX, Jody and Buddy, his daughter Trish from Albuquerque, NM, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter, and his sister-in-law Aline Williams of San Angelo.

A celebration of life memorial will be held at Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, February 28th at 2:00 PM. At his request a viewing and grave side service will not be held.

The family is grateful to all of Johnny's many hundreds of friends and family and asks that in lieu of flowers that you make a contribution to the San Angelo branch of the Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice. Please pray for his family and friends at this time.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by GoSanAngelo on Feb. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Williams

10 Entries

Joe Alcott

September 3, 2024

He taught me ground school and how to fly in 1990. I was reminiscing about my time inSan Angelo and looked him up. He was very patient and allowed me to solo with very few hours. It was a special time for me. I still have my solo shirt he signed.

Susan Werner

March 1, 2015

My family met Mr. Johnny in a strange way which meant it was the Lord's will. He had parked in front of Office Depot and we pulled in beside his truck. His truck had all the aviation stickers which caught our eyes. He got to his truck as we admired the aviation decals. He was very polite and interested when we mentioned our youngest daughter wanted to be a pilot. Her age was 7. When we came out of Office Depot, Mr. Johnny had left his card and an invitation to take our daughter flying. Two years later, we took him up on the invitation. He arranged for a friend to take our two daughters up, and they LOVED it. Thank you Lord Jesus for working in this man's life.

Trey Williams

March 1, 2015

We will always love and miss you.

Gary Pfluger

February 27, 2015

Johnny was a treasure of a man. I first met him at Mathis Field in San Angelo almost forty years ago. He truly loved aviation. It ran in his veins. An ace instructor and mechanic, he was a joy to be around. He always had time to help you if you had a question or problem in any aspect of aviation. I will miss his stories...."There I was"...... Thank You Johnny. God bless. Gary Pfluger

February 24, 2015

Ruth and I came to know Johnny more than thirty years ago through a shared love of aircraft and flying. Johnny and his dear wife Mary visited us here in England and we also visited Texas and made many new friends there. Johnny checked out my flying and once pulled the plug on me by stopping the engine and making me land without it. That stood me in great stead when many years later I had to do it for real! A lovely man and a true gentleman. Aviation's loss is Heaven's gain. Keith and Ruth Wigglesworth Yorksahire England

bob joyce

February 24, 2015

So sorry to read of your great loss,God bless---Bob and Rob Joyce

The Williams Family

February 24, 2015

Dear Friends and Family, Thank you so much for your kind words of support and messages of sympathy and love for our family and our wonderful father. Daddy was so very dear to us. It was a blessing that he had all of you and this wonderful community around him up to the last. He is with the Lord now and smiling down from his flight in the heavens. Our love, gratitude, and respect to all of you. Tricia, Jody, and Buddy

Mike & Pat Poulter

February 23, 2015

My wife Pat and I were so glad that we were able to spend some time with Johnny at the get together on the 15th. Johnny taught me to fly in 1990 and we spent many hours flying and trading flying stories. Johnny and his vast trove of experience will be sorely missed.

DUB OBRYANT

February 23, 2015

JOHNNY WAS A GREAT FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR ,
MY CROSSCOUNTRY WAS TO MILAND WE GOT AIRBORNE AND THE GENERATOR ON MY PIPER 160 QUIT WE SHUT DOWN POWER AND COMPLETED THE CROSSCOUNTRY NO POBLEM

DUB OBRYANT SAN ANGELO

Chris and Frank Hinds

February 23, 2015

We are sorry to hear about Johnny's passing. It wasn't too long ago that he was at the shop visiting and talking about his sweet Mary. We have lost a friend and wonderful aviator. May God be with his family. Frank and Chris wish him the best flying with his new set of wings.

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