William “Bill” Clayton Johnson of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on May 8, 2023, at Republic Nursing and Rehab. Bill was born to Hoyt and Cora Mae Johnson on June 21, 1937, in Boaz, Alabama. He was raised in Boaz, Alabama and graduated from Sardis High School in 1953.  Bill was united in marriage to Genevieve “Jennie” Sawyer on December 15, 1962.  Bill and Jennie shared 40 years of marriage before Jennie’s untimely passing on July 7, 2003. Bill proudly served in the United States Army for ten years before his honorable discharge in 1962.  During his time in the Army, he graduated from the Army’s European Engineer School at Murnau, Germany. He completed the school’s operator course to operate and service motorized graders. The couple was blessed with five children, twelve grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and cherished nieces and nephews.

Bill was employed as a machinist at Dayco for 20 years. When not working, Bill loved spending time with his wife and family and cheering for his favorite teams: the St. Louis Cardinals, the KC Chiefs, and the Alabama Crimson Tide! Bill will be remembered as a devoted husband and father with a gentle spirit and loving heart.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Hoyt and Cora Mae Johnson; wife, Jennie Johnson; sister, Martha Golden; and brother, Hansel Johnson. He is survived by his son, Ted Wise and his wife Gail; son, Dwight Salts; son, Brent Johnson and his wife Sandy; daughter, Tammie and her husband Kerry Martins; son, Scott Johnson and his wife Karie; two sisters, Bobbie Cruse and Linda Burns; and many beloved grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023, 10:00 am, at Robberson Prairie Cemetery in Ebenezer, Missouri. To honor Bill’s favorite sports teams and love of sports, friends and loved ones are welcome to wear Cardinals, Chiefs, or Alabama attire.

Bill will be remembered as a kindhearted soul who loved his family.