William Charles (Bill) Johnson

William Charles (Bill) Johnson, 74, of Jefferson City, passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018, at his home after a long and courageous fight against cancer. Bill was born June 30, 1944, in Springfield, Missouri, to Frederick and Lucille Johnson who preceded him in death. Music was a cornerstone of Bill's life from a young age. He started out playing classical piano and took lessons for 13 years before discovering rock and roll. On the way to becoming a rock star, Bill was a talented dancer with the Wagon Wheelers who appeared on the Ozark Jubilee. During that time, it wasn't unusual to find his childhood home filled with laughter, music, and many Jubilee guests, Porter Wagoner amongst them. He went on to play the drums and guitar throughout college, spending many weekends playing with his band, The Boys Next Door. Bill was a talented songwriter who wrote everything from rock and roll to spiritual music. He was proud to have his first song, "Together" published earlier this year. He wrote many pieces for his church, Faith Lutheran Church, and was a big part of the Faith Rocks Service on Sundays, playing multiple instruments during the service. Bill attended Drury University where he graduated with a degree in psychology and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Bill had other passions besides music, golf being one of them. He was a talented golfer who enjoyed the game, the outdoors, and the comradery that comes with it. His favorite golf course was Railwood Golf course, where he could be found with his buddies often. His dedication to fitness and healthy eating (besides having a sweet tooth) certainly added to his skill and finesse at the game. Bill had several careers over the years ranging from owning his own business to substance abuse counseling. He was an engaging, warm, funny person who could talk to almost anyone. It was during his counseling career at the C.A.R.E. center at Cox North hospitals in Springfield, Missouri that he met the love of his life, Karen Johnson, who he married on November 13, 1992. They moved to Jefferson City in 1998 and made a warm and welcoming home. Bill is survived by many people who loved and admired him including his wife: Karen Johnson; his two daughters: Tammy Kirks (Steve) of Springfield and Mary Smith (Blair) of Des Moines, Iowa; granddaughters: Julia and Lydia Smith; stepson: Robert Malone (Lori) of Fort Collins, Colorado; granddaughter: Lily Malone; and stepson: Joel Malone of Kansas City. He is also survived by many friends in both Jefferson City and Springfield. A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Jefferson City. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Bill would ask that you support the Salvation Army charity. "Today is yours. Today is mine. We both have so little time. Let's be gentle, let's be kind together." - Bill Johnson It is with great sorrow that the members of the Railwood Golf Club Senior League has heard of the loss of our friend, Bill Johnson. Bill was a great man and one of the best all-around golfers at Railwood. It was always a pleasure to have Bill on your team. He will be missed greatly by all at Railwood. Arrangements are under the direction of the HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com