Billy Johnson

Billy Ray Johnson was born on January 9, 1953, to Jessie Mae Davis Dismuke and Ezra Johnson in El Dorado, Arkansas. He was affectionately known as "Bill", "Dad" and "Pawpaw" to his family and friends. He was the eighth child of nine children. At an early age he joined and attended Fairview Church of God in Christ with his family.

Bill attended the El Dorado Public School System. He completed his early education at Fairview Elementary School and he attended grades 7-9 at Washington Junior High School. Bill attended and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1972, where he was a talented, star athlete. In High School, he excelled in football as a star running back, track star and basketball player. Bill received many distinguished awards and recognitions for his athleticism and was offered several full-ride scholarships to several colleges to continue playing football after high school.

After high school, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Melwyn Moore and spent several years of his life as a family man parenting three children - one son and two daughters. He later met Dorothy Gaines and had one daughter.

Bill had several jobs throughout his lifetime. He worked as a Caddy for El Dorado Country Club and at J&M Poultry for several years. He later worked as a Landscaper and at the Hillsboro Car Wash and Detailing shop until he became disabled.

Bill enjoyed watching his favorite teams the Lakers, Cowboys and Saints on television. He loved to hang out with his friends and family cracking jokes and talking trash. Most of all he loved to express his love to all who knew him.

Bill answered the call to come and live in his eternal home on February 26, 2025 at his home in El Dorado, Arkansas. He was welcomed in Heaven by his parents, his father, Ezra Johnson and loving mother Jessie Mae Davis Dismuke; his siblings Abraham "Buddy" Reynolds, Jr., Christine Brice, Ezra "Bud" Johnson Jr., Betty Jo Johnson, Geneva Johnson, Lee "Boot" Johnson, Hazel Levingston, and Ida Mae Bass; his precious grandchildren Sarada and Madison Johnson, and nephew Leon "Terry" Chambliss and niece Sharon Ross.

His precious memories and legacy will forever be cherished by his loving son, Billy Gerrard Johnson (Jennifer) of El Dorado, AR; three beautiful daughters, Tamara Johnson-Patterson (Deon) of Lancaster, CA, Freida Johnson-Ford of Lancaster, CA, and Tyrondia Johnson of El Dorado, AR. His siblings Eddie Mae Levingston of Los Angeles, CA, Eddie Clyde "Johnny" Johnson (Lestean) of Long Beach, CA, Robert "Cool Bill" Johnson (Celestine) of Spearsville, LA, Helen "Shug" Johnson of El Dorado, AR; 19 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Bill will be missed by all who knew him and he will forever be in our heart!