William “Bill” Johnson
William Henry Johnson, “Bill”, was born on Labor Day, September 2, 1940 at his home in Westbrook, CT. He is the second of four children born to Donald and Eileen Johnson. He attended Morgan High School in Clinton, CT where he participated in soccer, basketball, baseball, track, student council, and choir. He was also a representative at Nutmeg Boys State in 1957 at the University of Connecticut before graduating high school in 1958.
At the age of 18, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as an Airman First Class/Sergeant in the Security Police. He was stationed at Lackland AFB, TX and served at Niagara Falls AFB, NY. He also served for a brief time overseas near Sidi Kasem, Morocco. He completed four years of active duty before being honorably discharged, and served two additional years in the reserves.
In 1983 Bill graduated from Pace University with a Bachelor of Professional Studies (Bachelor of Science) Degree. Before retiring in 2001 from American Express, he worked for Cheesebrough Ponds, Gant Shirt Makers, Vantage, ITT Corporation and Alcatel Communications in various Information & Technology positions.
Bill was married to his wife, Geraldine (Schweinsburg) for 35 years before she went home to be with the Lord in November 2000 due to complications with Multiple Sclerosis. Together they raised five children: Valerie (and John) Bentham of Sun City, AZ, Bill Johnson of Gilbert, AZ, Greg (and Sunshine) Johnson of Arlington, VA, Elizabeth (and Guy) Parker of Lumberton, MS, and Patricia (and Bryan) Blodgett of Jarrell, TX. He is the proud Grandfather/Papa to ten grandchildren: Rachel, Alyssa & Autumn Bentham; Shealyn & Chloe Johnson; Liam & Luke Johnson; and Nathanael, Noah, & Daniel Parker.
In 1987, Bill moved from Madison, CT to Phoenix (Ahwatukee), AZ and then to Sun Lakes (Oakwood) in 2001. An aviation enthusiast, he became actively involved in the Sun Lakes Aero Club, and is currently a member of the Sun Lakes Republican Club. Other hobbies and interests include: Bible study, travel, golfing, and spending time with family. He attends Arizona Community Church where he volunteers as an usher during Sunday morning services.
He attributes his success and joy in life to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and has chosen Philippians 1:6 as his life verse: “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Bill will celebrate his 75 years with family and friends at the Oakwood Country Club on September 5th.