Bill Johnson

Obituaries

Wednesday, 06 October 2021 07:50

Mr. Billy “Bill” Joe Johnson of Scottsboro passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021. Graveside services were held on Monday, September 27, 2021 at Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Bill was born in Austinville, Ala. on Tuesday, July 23, 1935. He was a 1953 graduate of Danville High and served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957. He received a baseball scholarship to Southern Union Junior College and continued playing baseball, completing his education at Athens State College, graduating in 1961. He led his junior college team to the National Junior College World Series in his first year by pitching two no-hitters. He signed with the Philadelphia Phillies organization and played in their minor league system. At the conclusion of his baseball career, he taught and coached basketball at Woodville High for one year, where he met his wife, Kaye. In 1963 he had the opportunity to join the family business working for Butler and Kennamer Wholsesale Grocery Company, eventually becoming a part owner until its sale in 1984. At that time, he purchased Maynor Tires in Scottsboro and moved the business to the square, renaming it Johnson Tires, which he operated until his retirement.
Bill was an active member of First Baptist Church, where was a member of the Off the Wall Sunday school class. He was also active in various community organizations, including the Scottsboro Jaycees, Lions Club and Rotary Club. He was instrumental in organizing Scottsboro Little League baseball and coached teams including All-Star teams for nine years.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kaye Johnson; daughter, Kathy (Blake) Wright; grandsons, Jake, Evans and Hunter Wright; sisters, Nancy Long, Wylodene Everett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Nell Johnson; beloved daughter, Karen Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church Learning Center.