William “Bill” D. Johnson

William “Bill” D. Johnson (best known as “Donald” by his loved ones back home), passed away peacefully at his home in Vero Beach, Florida on October 19, 2022 at 85 years young. His battle with medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a positive attitude and unwavering faith in the Lord.

As a young man growing up in the small town of Ellijay, GA, Bill was determined to accomplish great things. After graduating from the Mount Berry School for Boys, at just 17 he went on to enlist in the United States Air Force where he served for 8 years. In 1965 he earned his AA from Merced College and spent a couple of years in California in the insurance and real estate  business. Longing to continue his military career and serve his country, Bill returned to enlist with the United States Coast Guard in 1965 where he would spend the next 15 years in aviation.  During his time in the Coast Guard his authoritarian voice rumbled the radio airwaves from California to Kodiak, Alaska as a radio operator. Bill also earned his private pilots license and had an enormous love for the skies. Some of his greatest moments were spent flying with his son, Andrew and passing along his love for seeing the world from the clouds. Bill honorably retired from the Coast Guard as an E-7 Chief Petty Officer. With a desire to never stop learning, he returned to school where he earned his doctorate in Naturopathy. He would continue his research and many would benefit over the years from his strong belief and extensive knowledge in the power of natural medicine. There is nothing that a good dose of apple cider vinegar won’t cure. Bill married the love of his life, Arlette in 1982 and they later moved to Vero Beach where they would continue raising their family.

A wonderful father, Bill will be missed dearly by his son, Andrew (Whitney); daughters, Catherine (Martin) and Brigitte(Randy). He was a proud Papa to his grandchildren, Matthew, Timothy, Ian, Anne-Marie, William, Hunter, Martine and Scarlette. Surviving is his brother Phillip, sister Ann and countless other loved ones, including his very best friend, RJ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Arlington Johnson and Marie Sellers Johnson, his devoted wife Arlette, brother Wallace, son Robert and daughter Martine.

A celebration of his life will be held at the family home on Sunday, November 6^th and a service will take place at a later date in Ellijay.

The family would like to thank all of our family and friends for their support and prayers and especially those who spent time with Dad prior to his passing and made him feel very loved.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.