William S. "Bill" Johnson

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of William "Bill" Sewell Johnson, our beloved father, grandfather, and brother, on July 9, 2026. Bill was born on July 8, 1939, in Dyess, Arkansas, to William and Hazel Johnson. Bill graduated from Hendrix College in 1960, where he was a member of the basketball team. He later earned a master's degree from the University of Arkansas. While teaching and coaching in Charleston, Arkansas, he met his wife, Cecelia Broderick. They married on July 21, 1962, and enjoyed a 62-year marriage until Cecelia's passing in 2024. Cecelia and Bill's life together took them to various towns, including Charleston, Marianna, Carlisle, and Bald Knob, where they raised two children, Valerie Lynn Johnson and William Jeffrey Johnson. During his 30-year career as an educator, Bill taught history and coached both boys' and girls' basketball. After retirement, he worked as a sales consultant for Agra Turf in Searcy, Arkansas. In his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and traveling. Ever the people-person, his wife was amazed that no matter where they traveled, he always seemed to run into someone he knew. While he enjoyed the time that retirement allowed for golf and travel, nothing was more fun than being "Poppy" to his grandchildren: Megan, Kelsey, Lydia, and Jack. He particularly enjoyed introducing his grandchildren to classic films. Namely, The Apple Dumpling Gang and The Three Stooges. He truly never missed an opportunity to be goofy or tell a silly joke. At family gatherings, he frequently recited his favorite "prayer," "Past the teeth, past the gums, look out stomach, here it comes!" and often requested his favorite vegetable, a Bloody Mary. Bill was also well known for his love of dogs and cats. Not only was he notorious for feeding table scraps to the dogs, but he also prepared special treats just for them. He never met a dog he couldn't win over and was often seen at family gatherings being trailed by various family pets. Bill is also remembered for being an active member of the Bald Knob Lions Club, Bald Knob United Methodist Church, and the Bald Knob Country Club. Bill is survived by his children, Valerie Johnson and Jeff (Katherine) Johnson; his grandchildren, Megan King, Kelsey (Charlie) Partin, Lydia Johnson, and Jack Johnson; his great-grandchild, Hayden Partin; and his sister, Betty Jane Thornton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cecelia Broderick Johnson, and his parents, William Boyd Johnson and Hazel Ragland Johnson. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Bald Knob United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.

William S. "Bill" Johnson

July 8, 1939 - July 9, 2026