|
June 6, 1920 - September 23, 2017 Wilbert "Bill" Johnson, a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman and Fighter Pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group, lived an amazing life. Born during the Depression in Los Angeles (the eldest of four siblings), Bill served while a teen in the Civilian Conservation Corps; was an Eagle Scout; graduated Manual Arts HS, attended LA City College and UCLA. When WWII broke out, he volunteered for the Army Air Corps, graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1943. In 1946 he received an honorable discharge, returned to civilian life, married and started his family. He worked in sales, real estate, obtained a Broker's license and eventually went on to earn an MBA from Pepperdine University in 1972. Bill enjoyed an extensive career in banking and real estate, working his way up to Chief Appraiser and Vice President for both Broadway Federal Savings & Loan and CA Federal Savings. An avid golfer with a private pilot's license, he appreciated traveling both within the US and abroad. Highly organized and computer literate until his death, he amazed his family, financial planners, and accountants with his record keeping and knowledge of sports and world affairs. Receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor, playing golf with his buddies at Chester Washington and piloting private planes on Las Vegas getaways were among the highlights of his life. Bill was preceded in death by Earline, his wife of 30 years. He is survived by his sister Maxine Johnson Young, daughter Teri McLurkin, son Stephen Johnson (LaReece), grandson Stephen Johnson Jr., Earline's daughters Valerie Shaw and Benita Malone (John) and a host of beloved friends and family.
|
Published in the Los Angeles Times from Oct. 12 to Oct. 15, 2017
|
