“A risk taker from childhood it surprised no one that he would go on to become a fighter pilot. Bill enlisted into the USAF, earned his commission as an officer and served honorably for 30 years until his retirement. A navigator on B-52, instructor on T-38 and pilot on F-100 and F-111, he received numerous awards for many accomplishments. He served multiple tours in Vietnam.”(1)
Source:
William A. Johnson, LtCol USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on March 1, 2023.
William A. “Bill” Johnson, 82, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2023 in Indio, CA. after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
He was born on October 2, 1940 to Elmer Johnson and Marion Wik in Buffalo, NY. After graduating from Williamsville Central High School at age 16, he attended Erie County Technical Institute in Buffalo, NY.
A risk taker from childhood it surprised no one that he would go on to become a fighter pilot. Bill enlisted into the USAF, earned his commission as an officer and served honorably for 30 years until his retirement. A navigator on B52, instructor on T38 and pilot on F100 and F111, he received numerous awards for many accomplishments. He served multiple tours in Vietnam.
Bill’s moral compass was influenced by family, friends and faith. He loved a good beer, prime rib, classic cars, Corvettes, antiques and Buffalo Bills.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Suellen, son William (Billy), sister Lynn, and his parents. He survived by his brother Rich of Anchorage, AK, sister Gail of Helena, MT and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, La Quinta, CA at 9:00 a.m. Bill would appreciate any donation made to the Parkinson’s Association.
