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William Johnson Obituary
Wilmington - William Charles Johnson, age 57, of Wilmington, passed away on January 20, 2018.
Bill grew up in the Forty Acres section of Wilmington, where he graduated in 1978 from Delcastle Technical High School as a three sport all-state athlete in football, baseball and basketball. He was signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980 and was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he pitched in the Major Leagues in 1983 and 1984. After his personal baseball career, Bill coached and mentored young athletes through CYO, American Legion Baseball, and high school and college programs. In addition, he dedicated 30 years to Cott Beverages, Coca Cola Consolidated, and KIK, where he was known as a leader and family man.
"Stoney" was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing many different courses around the country. He was a Notre Dame fan and loved vacationing with his family at his second home in North Myrtle Beach. He was inducted into the Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame and was a member of the Stapler Athletic Association and DuPont Country Club.
Bill is survived by his wife of 35 years, Wendy; his daughter and her husband, Erin and Sam Sampson; his son, Chris; and his grandson, Brady, whom he shared a special bond with. He is also survived by his siblings, Margie May, Jeanette Crowley, Charles Johnson, and Fran Johnson, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Helen Johnson.
Family and friends may visit on Sunday, January 28, 2018 from 12 to 3 PM at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808, where a Celebration of Bill's Life will begin at 3 PM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd Floor, Newark, DE 19711 or to your local Little League or youth sports program.
To offer condolences, visit www.dohertyfh.com 302-999-8277.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Johnson
Sponsored by Doherty Funeral Homes, Inc. - Pike Creek.
Denise McLaughlin
May 14, 2021
I haven't been home in years, and Wendy, I am giving my condolences now, because, I loved Billy like the big brother I never had. I had no idea he passed. He was my buddy my whole childhood and beyond. God bless you and the kids. My love and prayers to you. My heart will always hold Stoney and my memories will always be precious.
Calda Newman
November 8, 2019
Prayers to your family. I wish I could have found you before you passed. So many memories in Oregon. I will never forget you Coach.... Forever in my heart! Calda
Cindy Wilson (Montgomery)
January 26, 2018
To Wendy & Family,
I worked with Bill way back when for many years at Concord Beverage. Back in the "label cage " days, when working there was fun & crazy. Heck, back when we ran glass bottles! We were all so young, and we shared lots of laughs. I never had the pleasure of meeting Bill's family but we spoke not to long ago during his recent search for a home back in DE near his family. He was just thrilled for he & Wendy to be near his Grandson! I am very saddened & shocked by the news of Bill's passing. You have my heartfelt sympathies & my prayers are with you as you face this very sad time.
Rick Maguigan
January 24, 2018
My condolences to Wendy and the family.
I was fortunate to have been teammates and friends with Billy. He was a great athlete but always remained humble.
Billy was a "CLASS ACT"
RIP Stoney!
Ken Maxwell
January 24, 2018
Stoney,
Thank you is the first thing that comes to my mind. Thanks for just being a good guy and a good friend growing up in the 40 acres. So glad to hook up with you last year and have you give my son pitching lessons. He only new you for a short time but in that short time you influenced him a lot. Again, thank you Stone. RIP my friend.
Ken Pryce
January 24, 2018
My heart is broken this morning after hearing this news. Bill & I were teammates and roommates many times back in our Baseball days with the Cubs. You will be missed my friend, but never forgotten.
January 23, 2018
My condolences to the family. May God help you to endure this difficult time.
S G
January 23, 2018
I am so very very sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you all. May you be comforted knowing Our Heavenly Father truly cares for your family. Pour your feelings out to him in prayer. 1 Pet 5:6,7
Josey
January 23, 2018
To The Entire Johnson Family, When a loved one falls asleep in death the grief can be unbearable. God's word of promises "I am the One comforting you " Isaiah 51:12. This is so reassuring he understands your families pain and will provide the comfort. May the memories that you shared and God's word of comfort sustain your family.
Leigh Oppelt
January 22, 2018
Johnson family may you find comfort and strength in the days to come from the memories you all share.
I have worked with Bill for many years at both Concord and Cott Beverage. Going to miss you Bill, may you RIP fly high my friend.
Randy Balot
January 22, 2018
Bill was my best friend when we were kids in Forty Acres. He was a terrific athlete, compassionate friend, and had a wonderful sense of humor.
The world is not as nice without you.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
Mark Keenan
January 22, 2018
Johnson family sorry for your loss. Bill was a true friend and he will be missed .
Mario and Carolyn Benedetto
January 22, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers for all of you. Wishing you the best at this difficult time. Hold on to all your special memories.
January 22, 2018
William will be greatly missed.he has touched many lives.hope all will be comforted by medatiting on fond memories. my deepest condolences to family and friends.n.smatt.6 9,10
Charlie Maggio
January 22, 2018
My sincere condolences to Wendy and family.
We all have developed many friendships over our lifetimes but a only a few fall into the true friend category. I will always consider Bill a true friend.
Charlie Maggio
John Netta
January 22, 2018
My sincere condolences to Wendy and the family. Bill was a great guy and great teammate. Loved our time playing together with Wrangle Hill and other teams. Rest in Peace Stoney.. Will be missed by many..
Love the Netta family
Jamie Pantuliano
January 22, 2018
Stoney,
You taught me alot in life in the short time of our friendship... I thank u for all of our memories with wrangle hill and the scoreboard softball teams... The cub is in heaven with his parents.. RIP my friend...
Terry Short
January 22, 2018
Wendy & Family,
I so sorry to hear of Bill's passing at his age and the passion he had for life. He was a great guy to know , play ball with and just hang out with. I know he wiil be Missed Dearly by All!!!!!!
Terry Short
January 22, 2018
Erin,
So sorry for the loss of your Dad. Nothing and no one can fill the person that he was to you, but you have so many precious memories to ponder and share. I know how much you loved your Dad and how much he loved you and your family. Please know you are being lifted up in prayers. Julie Jones
Leonard Calvarese
January 22, 2018
Rest in Peace, Stoney. You were one of the greatest athletes to ever come out of Delcastle. Plus, you were a truly nice guy who made friends everywhere he went. You were always nice to me in school. My deepest condolences to your family.
Ed Maylie
January 22, 2018
Sending my condolences to the Johnson family ..bill was a great guy ... he will be missed by all .it's not very often that we get to meet a guy like him in our travels through life . He was always so up beat .i am so sorry for your loss.god bless
January 22, 2018
Gonna miss you little brother you meant the world to me, I will be there for Wendy and your family whenever they need me, fly with the angels , love you and miss you
Your big sister
Margie
Debbie Maddams
January 21, 2018
Wendy, Erin and Chris, we are so sorry for your loss. Stoney will be missed by all. May he rest in peace.
Joe, Debbie, Eric and Shane Maddams
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
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Memorial Events
for William Johnson
Jan
28
Visitation
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Doherty Funeral Homes, Inc. - Pike Creek3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808
Jan
28
Celebration of Life
3:00 p.m.
Doherty Funeral Homes, Inc. - Pike Creek3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808
Funeral services provided by:
Doherty Funeral Homes, Inc. - Pike Creek3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808
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