Williard "Bill" Johnson

Williard "Bill" Johnson received his upgrade into the arms of his Heavenly Father on January 23, 2023 in Bellingham. Bill was born on June 3, 1931 in Ogallala, NE to Williard and Ruby (Cook) Johnson. Bill was raised on the family farm in Ogallala with his two brothers, Roy and George, and three sisters, Ardella, Berdine, and Betty. His family later moved to Eugene, OR where he met his soon to be wife, Beverly Elsasser, in Bible school. They then moved to Bellingham and were married on January 4, 1958. Thanks to Bev’s frugal lifestyle, they were able to save up enough money to purchase and build a home together in 1960 where they lived for the remainder of their married life. Their firstborn daughter, Sheri Johnson, was born in 1959. Their second born daughter, Tami Dockter, was born in 1964. Bill worked at the Bellingham Post Office for 35 years. He was the oldest living retired postal worker in Bellingham. Bill loved spending time with his family and friends, he and Bev always had their calendar full of lunch dates. He loved classic cars and could tell you the make and model of any classic car on the road. He had a collection of baseball caps perfectly organized and displayed in their hall closet that he accumulated from all over the country. Bill loved southern gospel music and he and Bev attended every southern gospel concert in the local area as well as traveling to concerts in Branson, Missouri. They were delighted when they got to have lunch with Bill and Gloria Gaither while in Branson. He also enjoyed traveling around the country to take family vacations throughout his life. Bill was very proud of his daughters, two grandchildren, and two great grandsons. He always gave credit to the Lord for being so blessed with such a wonderful family and close friends. Bill faithfully served the Lord his whole life and was very involved in the churches he attended over the years. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; baby brother Jeddy; and siblings George Johnson, Roy Johnson, Ardella Pfaff, and Berdine Garnet Johnson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Beverly Johnson of Bellingham; youngest sister, Betty James; daughters, Sheri Johnson and Tami (Hope) Dockter; granddaughter, MacKinzie (Colin) Sutton and grandson Nathan Dockter; great grandsons, Jedson and Jericho Sutton; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, February 11th at 11am at Christ the King Church- Bellingham.