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Wilbert Johnson Obituary

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.

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

Published by Los Angeles Times from Oct. 12 to Oct. 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Stacey Joy

October 30, 2017

Thank you, Uncle Bill, for ALWAYS being so kind-hearted and loving. Every little girl should have loving uncles in their lives like you. You were everything a man should be. I hope you, my dad, grandmother, and Uncle Rip are enjoying your new heavenly home together. I'm sure they welcomed you with open arms. God bless all of our family.

Daphne Smith

October 20, 2017

Bill was a perfect gentleman and very inspirational, I admired him dearly and I will miss him very much...may he rest in peace.

Leslie Marie Cotton

October 18, 2017

Dear Johnson Family, On behalf of our entire family, we send our condolences, Prayers & positive thoughts. May you be blessed, comforted, hopeful & filled with memories which will be with you Forever. I Pray the heartache of losing a Loved One escapes you . We Love You ❣

Adrienne Mayberry

October 17, 2017

Cousin Bill will be greatly missed. He's been an example of a life well-lived and full of value. His many accomplishments set a very high bar! His love and generosity for his family has been demonstrated throughout the years. I'll always remember Bill and Maxine visiting my dad during his illness and the support given when he went on to Glory. I pray that the Clease's and the Johnson's are enjoying their time together again.

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