William Henry Johnson

William Henry Johnson, known to most as Bill and to his close family as Billy, passed away on February 17, 2026, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, at the age of 83. Born on January 6, 1943, in Jackson, Mississippi, Bill lived a life defined by kindness, leadership, and deep love for his family.

Visitation will be Saturday February 21, 2026 from 9 AM until services time of 11 AM at Hartman-Jones Funeral Home of McComb. Rev. Phillip Hemby will officiate and there will be a 2 PM graveside service at Natchez Trace Funeral Home Cemetery 759 Hwy 51 in Madison, MS.

Bill graduated from Central High School in Jackson in 1961. He earned a degree from Mississippi College, completed his master's degree at Mississippi State University, and went on to do post graduate work at Ole Miss. Education was not only his profession but his calling.

For more than 35 years, Bill faithfully served at Southwest Mississippi Community College. Over the course of his career, he taught German, French, English, and mathematics, and also served as a chemistry lab assistant. He later became Dean of Instruction, where he counseled and encouraged countless faculty members and students. Bill had a remarkable ability to see potential in others and believed in people who did not always believe in themselves. His steady leadership, wisdom, and integrity shaped the lives of many within the college community. Bill also proudly served as the Phi Theta Kappa sponsor at SMCC, mentoring students and celebrating their academic achievements.

In addition to his academic career, Bill was a talented artist. He and his son Ryan studied under renowned Mississippi artist and close friend Roger Lawrence, further cultivating a gift that brought him great joy. Bill won awards for his artwork, and some of his paintings are even displayed in the community - a lasting testament to his creative spirit and eye for beauty.

On a foundation of enduring love, Bill married Betty Ann Barfield Johnson in 1968. They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in November - a testament to their lifelong devotion to one another.

Bill was a member of First Baptist Church in Summit, Mississippi. His faith was important to him, and his favorite hymn, "Christ For Me," reflected the quiet strength and conviction he carried each day.

He had a passion for travel, especially exploring countries throughout Europe. Bill enjoyed gardening, nature, and mowing on his zero turn. He loved collecting almost anything that sparked his interest, savoring specialty cheeses paired with wine or a good brew, and delighting in buying perhaps too many gifts for his beloved granddaughter, Luna - his pride and joy, affectionately known as his "Luna bird."

He also had an extraordinary love for animals. Bill had a special gift for earning the trust of strays, often taking them in and giving them a safe, comfortable life. He loved dogs especially, but his compassion extended to all creatures - including raising an orphaned squirrel. Each morning in Summit, he faithfully fed the stray cats that gathered at his home, making sure they were cared for. His gentle nature and patient kindness were evident not only in the lives of people, but also in the animals who seemed instinctively to trust him. Above all, he treasured time spent with his precious family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Ann Barfield Johnson; his only son, Ryan Johnson (Desi) of Petal; his cherished granddaughter, Luna; his brother, Don Johnson (Lane) of Ridgeland; his sister, Joy Walker of Madison; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will forever hold his memory close.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mamie Lou Ward Johnson and William Gus "Bill" Johnson; his brother, Raymond Johnson; and his sister, Linda Smith.

Bill will be remembered for his intellect, gentle counsel, generous heart, and unwavering love - for his family, his students, his community, and the many animals he cared for so faithfully. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched - as an educator, mentor, administrator, husband, father, grandfather, and faithful friend.

Pallbearers will be Gus Walker, Alan Sudduth, Russ Colvin, Ray Smith, Dalton Rawls and Dawson Wicker. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Will Austin, Dr. Bryan Calcote, T. Felder, William Paige and Dr. Bob Burrows.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Shady Grove Baptist Church 1090 Shady Grove Rd. Hazelhurst, MS 39083 or First Baptist Church of Summit 1109 Robb St. West Ext Summit, MS 39666 or your local PALS at 1071 Marks Rd. McComb, MS 39648