Willie Joe "Bill" Johnson

Willie Joe "Bill" Johnson ABINGDON, Va. Willie Joe "Bill" Johnson passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010, at Johnston Memorial Hospital after a long illness. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Va., and attended Highlands Fellowship. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Preston and Betty Tolliver Johnson; his loving wife, Katherine Adams Johnson; two brothers, Charles Johnson and George Johnson; and two sisters, Mary Lee Lilly and Ruth Johnson. He is survived by two sons, Joey Johnson, Abingdon, and Jonathan Johnson and wife, Karen, Abingdon; one brother, Herbert Johnson and wife, Carol, of Church Hill, Tenn.; one sister, Goldie Dye, Abingdon; four grandchildren, Eric, Beren, Bridger and Jake Johnson; and four great-grandchildren, Hunter, Brenden, Samuel and Rachel Johnson. He is also survived by a special niece, Linda Johnson, Bristol Virginia; and his faithful caregiver, Judy Hall. Bill was employed by Ford Motor Company for over 40 years. He loved fishing, canoeing on the river, spending time at the beach with family and friends and coaching youth baseball, taking several teams to the state baseball tournament. Some of his fondest memories were of watching his sons and grandsons play sports. He was a very kind and generous man and his daily presence will be missed. A private viewing will be held on Sunday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service, and close friends are invited to attend. In memory of Bill's generous spirit and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the charity of your choice. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com Arrangements for Mr. Johnson are under the care of Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 276-623-2700.