William ‘Bill’ D. Johnson

Mr. William “Bill” D. Johnson (best known as “Donald” by his loved ones back home), passed away peacefully at his home in Vero Beach, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at 85 years young.

His battle with medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a positive attitude and unwavering faith in the Lord.

As a young man growing up in the small town of Ellijay, he was determined to accomplish great things.

After graduating from the Mount Berry School for Boys at just 17, he went on to enlist in the United States Air Force where he served for eight years.

In 1965, he earned his AA from Merced College and spent a couple of years in California in the insurance and real estate business. Longing to continue his military career and serve his country, he returned to enlist with the United States Coast Guard in 1965 where he would spend the next 15 years in aviation. During his time in the Coast Guard, his authoritarian voice rumbled the radio airwaves from California to Kodiak, Alaska, as a radio operator. He also earned his private pilot’s license and had an enormous love for the skies. Some of his greatest moments were spent flying with his son, Andrew, and passing along his love for seeing the world from the clouds.

He honorably retired from the Coast Guard as an E-7 Chief Petty Officer. With a desire to never stop learning, he returned to school where he earned his doctorate in Naturopathy. He would continue his research, and many would benefit over the years from his strong belief and extensive knowledge in the power of natural medicine. There is nothing that a good dose of apple cider vinegar won’t cure. He married the love of his life, Arlette, in 1982, and they later moved to Vero Beach where they would continue raising their family.

A wonderful father, he will be missed dearly by son, Andrew (Whitney); and daughters, Catherine (Martin) and Brigitte (Randy). He was a proud Papa to his grandchildren, Matthew, Timothy, Ian, Anne-Marie, William, Hunter, Martine and Scarlette.

He is survived by brother, Phillip; sister, Anne; and countless other loved ones, including very best friend, RJ.

He is preceded in death by parents, Fred Arlington Johnson and Marie Sellers Johnson; devoted wife, Arlette; brother, Wallace; son Robert; and daughter, Martine.

A celebration of life will be held at the family home Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, and a service will take place at a later date in Ellijay.

The family would like to thank all of our family and friends for their support and prayers and especially those who spent time with Dad prior to his passing and made him feel very loved.