William Rudolph "Bill" Johnson

William Rudolph "Bill" (n/a) Johnson

Obituary of Dr. William R. Johnson

William Johnson, born on January 12, 1933, passed peacefully from this world on October 23, 2024, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Bill was a Christian, a Methodist, a liberal, a husband to Freida and then to Ada, a father to Scott and Alison, a father-law to Susan and Robert, a grandfather, great grandfather and uncle. He deeply loved family and was most comfortable in the company of his family and close friends. He took pride in the character and accomplishments of his two children. He was a devoted son and sibling, a generous, patient, and loving mentor to his children, stepchildren, and grandchildren and a dependable and loyal friend to many.

Bill fell in love with universities as a student of history at the University of Houston. He came of age intellectually at the University of Oklahoma in the company of outstanding faculty and the best friends of his life. He was a student, a professor and an administrator. He worked hard in each role, seeking to promote success in those with whom he came into contact. He was a conscientious, hardworking, compassionate, ambitious, kind and encouraging human being who always endeavored for personal improvement and expected the same from those with whom he worked. A first-generation college student, Bill had a heart for students, particularly those who overcame obstacles to obtain an education.

He loved the outdoors, especially the ocean. He took pleasure in camping, hunting, and fishing with close friends. At these times he escaped the cacophony of life and the pressures of work. He was forever grateful for these occasions and for the friends with whom he shared the experiences.

Bill was a passionate wood worker and after retirement devoted much of his time to furniture making, He particularly enjoyed the process of design and the effort of transferring design into actual, useful, furniture. While working in his studio overlooking the Galveston Bay, he usually had a dog at his feet, a Golden Retriever, a Jack Russell Terrier or a King Cavalier Spaniel.

Bill was fortunate to have had some honors come his way, especially in the naming of the coliseum at Stephen F. Austin State University. But the greatest honor, the one in which he took the most pride, was serving as Scott's best man when he married Sue. That remains the most outstanding occasion of his life.

He was in the end, a deeply treasured, imperfect human being with his share of faults, but died with the hope of forgiveness and salvation.

He was predeceased by his second wife Ada Whitworth Sterken Johnson, his parents Ernest Henry Johnson and Rosa Thompson Johnson, his brothers, Gordon William and Carroll Johnson, his sisters Inez Ash, Mary Virginia Johnson, and Bobbie Littrell. He is survived by his son William Scott Johnson and his wife Susan, his daughter, Alison Johnson Sterken and her husband Robert, stepsons Michael Joseph Sterken, (Karla) and Daniel Nathan Sterken, (Debbie), grandchildren William Taylor Ash, (Dayna), William Travis Johnson (Ikumi), Robert Edward Sterken, III, (Annie) Clara Marie Johnson, (Juan) Alexandra Grace Sterken, Brandon Sterken, Scotty Sterken, and Elizabeth Katherine Sterken. He is survived by great-granddaughters Emma Grace Ash, Ava Marie Ash, and Olivia Grace Sterken.

A private graveside service with military honors will be held for family and close friends on Monday, October 28 at 11:00 am at South Park cemetery in Pearland, Texas. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 10, at First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches with Dr. Jeff McDonald officiating. A reception will follow.