William Russell “Bill” Johnson, 75, of Gloucester, passed away on Wednesday, September 15, 2021.  He was a native of Hampton and a resident of York County but had been living in Gloucester for the past 15 years.  Bill was an accountant, obtained his CPA qualification, and worked for Newport News Shipbuilding, retiring after 40 years of service.  He also served in the Naval Air Reserves.  Bill was a Board Member of the Boys and Girls Club, School Board for Hampton Christian Schools, Deacon at Petsworth Baptist Church in Gloucester, and social chair of Sunday School at Liberty Baptist Church.  In his younger years, he was 2nd in State with Cross Country at Hampton High School, running a 4:16 mile!

He lived his life for Jesus, he pursued his bride with depth and passion, loved his family with everything he had, and always placed others above himself.  Bill never met a stranger, met them with open arms, and never missed an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others.  He was the ultimate encourager and believer in people.

Bill, we love you and will miss you so much.  But today is the day you lived for, today is the day you were fully set free and made whole.

This scripture sums up Bill so well – this is his legacy.  “You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a barrel.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Charles Edwin Johnson and Frances Ann Collins Johnson,  his brother, Charles Edwin Johnson, Jr. and his granddaughter, Evelyn Amya Johnson.  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Frances Scott Johnson; two sons, Bryce Ryan Johnson (Brooke) and Chad Scott Johnson (Emily); four grandchildren, Madelyn Grace Johnson,  Faith Wilder Johnson, and Lively Jayne Johnson; sister, Belinda Anne Johnson Aubuchon (Bill); and niece, Colette Elaine Black, and nephew, Mack William Kitchel; sister-in-law, Angel Parker Johnson; and nieces, Amy Johnson Philyaw and Hope Elaine Johnson.  

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park, Mausoleum.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.