William "Bill" Johnson

William M. “Bill” Johnson, age 88, of Arkadelphia, passed away from this life November 24, 2019. Bill was born July 14, 1931, to Jeff Davis and Susie Jane (Duncan) Johnson in Friendship, Arkansas. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, a cattle farmer and retired as a millwright with the National Gypsum Corporation in Arkadelphia.  He was a member of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Orlin, Melvin, Elvin, and J.D.; and one sister, Melva Sue Hester.  Left to share his memories is his loving wife of 66 years, Joyce Latch Johnson, and daughter, Beverly Ann Hankins, and son-in-law, Dr. James W. Hankins.  Bill is also survived by two grandchildren, Christopher (Jennie) Hankins of Maumelle, AR, and Jodi Ann (Schuyler) Van Doren of Arkadelphia; four great-grandchildren, Caiden Hankins, Logan Hankins, Jackson Van Doren, and Madelyn Van Doren; and sister, Velma Bussey of Waldo, AR, and sisters-in-law, Ann Johnson of Benton, AR and Jo Ann  Wofford of Arkadelphia, and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 30, 2019, at Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home Chapel with service beginning at 2:00 p.m.  Brother Charlie Williams and Brother Frank Henson will officiate.  Interment will follow at Richland Cemetery with David Golden, Mike Armstrong, Arville Fulmer, Thomas “Cotton” Womack, Andy Williams, and David Johnson serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, c/o Arlon Seale, 520 Burrow Rd., Arkadelphia, AR 71923.