Billy Gene Johnson Sr.

1935 - 2021

Billy Gene Johnson Sr.

The Rev. Billy G. Johnson Sr., age 85, of Danville, Va., passed to his heavenly home on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Stratford Rehabilitation Center in Danville, Va.

The Rev. Billy Johnson was born October 10, 1935, to Z. Truman and Anna Belle Raymond Johnson in Bessemer, Alabama. He attended public school until graduation with honors in 1954 from McAdory High School in McCalla, Alabama. He was Vice President of the National Honor Society and voted "Most Likely to Succeed." He entered the Salvation Army's School of Officers Training in Atlanta, Ga. He married the love of his life, Joyce Eleanor Cowham Johnson, on January 10, 1958, who resides at their home in Danville. He was predeceased in death by two brothers, Howard Lee Johnson and James Truman Johnson and one sister, Ocie Mae Hardy.

Bill and Joy have four children, Billy G. Johnson Jr. (Gisele), Columbia, S.C.; Gloria Anderson (Dwayne), Waynesboro, Va.; Melanie Clark (James), La Canada Flintridge, Calif.; and Arthur Johnson (Dara), Ringgold, Va. They also have seven grandchildren (Robin, Peirce, Cody (Brittany), Marshall, Nicholas, Cassidy, and Ashley) and several nieces and nephews.

The Rev. Johnson was a faithful servant of the Lord for almost 60 years. He served 25 years with the Salvation Army including being stationed at the Danville, Va. location in 1978. After joining the United Methodist Church in 1979, he pastored several churches in Virginia including Grace Design United Methodist and Schoolfield United Methodist in Danville, Va. He also served the Axton charge and Nolan Memorial in Hampton, Va., and Grottoes UMC, Mt. Pisgah and Clover Hill, all in the Shenandoah Valley. He retired from active ministry in 2002. He later served Calvary UMC. Bill was kind and generous and had a loving spirit. He loved to study. He loved working with his hands on home projects as evidenced by his tool collection, some of which he received from his dad.

A private funeral will be held later at Danville Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Duane Caldwell presiding.

The family would like to express thanks to Cindy Walker and Brenda Lopez for their wonderful care of Bill before his admission to Stratford. Also, sincere appreciation to Robin and Matilda for their kindness to Bill and Buddy.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association or the Danville Life Saving Crew.

Norris Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Johnson family.