Billie Lambert Johnson

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our father Billie (Bill) Lambert Johnson who left us to be with Jesus on November 6th, 2024, at the age of 88. He was at complete peace when he passed away knowing he would be going to his eternal home. 

Bill was born in Penland, North Carolina on August 12, 1936, to Brady and Elizabeth Johnson. Bill grew up in Ashville with his brother Pete and sister Kathy Johnson. Upon graduating High School, he enlisted in the United State Marine Corps in 1954 and served for 4 years and 4 months playing trombone in the Marine Corps Band and serving in the Korean War. In lieu of re-enlisting he found the love of his life, Cecile Laroche in 1958. Even with a little “Cold Feet” Bill popped the question and they were married on May 25th, 1963. They lived in Ashville, NC while Bill was driving for Greyhound Bus Lines. When a driving position opening in Texas, Bill requested a transfer and moved the family to Amarillo in 1972. Why Amarillo you ask, just to get close to Colorado because Bill said it was the best trout fishing in the county. Bill drove for Greyhound for 27 years before he purchased his first semi and started his own trucking business which he owned for 12 years. Then he retired to the relaxing life of camping and fly fishing all over the county, mostly Colorado! 

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Cecile Johnson of Amarillo, Texas; his son, Keith Johnson and wife Brandi of Amarillo, Texas; his son, Stacey Johnson and wife Angela of Amarillo, Texas, his daughter, Tamara Copley and husband Lee of Amarillo, Texas; his grandchildren, Bailey Cosselmon and husband Kelton, Keagan Johnson, Shann Wise and husband Jonathan of Childress, Texas, Joshua Johnson and wife Nicole of Amarillo, Texas, Dustin Copley and Brady Copley of Amarillo, Texas; and his great-grandchildren, Caleb and Lyndon Wise of Childress, Texas. 

Bill will be remembered for his Love of the Lord, his strong work ethic, his sincere kindness, his undying love for Cecile, his passion for fly fishing, and love of this great County. 

Memorial services will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. 

The family request memorials be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17 Chicago, IL 60601.