William "Bill" Johnson Jr.

1937 - 2026

William "Bill" Carlisle Johnson Jr. passed away peacefully on February 1st, 2026. He was 89 years old.

Bill was born on January 18th, 1937, in New York City. The son of William Carlisle Johnson Senior and Gladys Keck Johnson. He is survived by his three daughters Catherine Ellis, Marnie Johnson, Melanie Johnson, son-in-law Christopher Ellis and two grandchildren William and Lexington Ellis.

Bill attended Mamaroneck High School, Trinity College, and had a stint in the Army. Bill married Marybess "Pooh" McCray and they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary before Pooh passed in December of 2024. Bill worked in sales for Pfizer and Proctor and Gamble. He also ran his own marketing firm before moving his family to Keswick, Virginia where he sold real estate for Roy Wheeler Realty Company and later for Steven and Company.

Bill was an athlete throughout high school and college playing football, running track, and swimming. Bill was also part of the Frost Biting Boat Crew at the Larchmont Yacht Club. He later became an accomplished tennis player and enjoyed competitive matches at the Farmington Country Club. In addition, Bill was passionate about historic properties, UVA sports, feeding the birds, and tending to his plants and flowers on the farm.

Bill was an active member of Grace Church, the Bailey Museum, the Contemporary Club, a dedicated father, loving husband, animal lover, and storyteller.

Bill will be missed by those who knew him and those who loved him. We would like to acknowledge an appreciation for the staff of Albermarle Rehab and Martha Jefferson Hospital for the attentive kind care they provided.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the CSPCA.