William Byrd Johnson

William Byrd Johnson entered the world on August 29, 1939 in Kent, Ohio, the last of twelve children born to John and Dora Johnson. He attended Theodore Roosevelt High School from which he graduated in 1957. In February, 1959, after some career counseling from his mother, William enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country honorably for eight years. While stationed in Tampa, Florida, William met Alberta Dixon, the daughter of a minister of the African Methodist Church. They were married in 1963 on the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Of this union was born two children: Felicia Daika and Benjamin Webster.

During his tenure in the air force, William spent fifteen months in England, Spain, and Portugal serving in the Air Refueling Wing of the Strategic Air Command. He also spent a year on the Turkish Air Force Base in Eskeshir, Turkey. During his time in the service, he continued his education by enrolling in extension courses offered by the University of Wyoming. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, William became a full-time student at the University of Wyoming, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1970. Shortly after graduation, he started working at the Internal Revenue Service - a career that lasted more than thirty years.

In 1979, William received a promotion from the IRS, and moved with his family to Houston, Texas. Here, they joined the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church where William served as a Boy Scout Leader until his illness made that impossible.

William always loved family and community and was a great supporter of the arts as well as his favorite charities. In spite of his debilitating illness, he was willing and able to continue to help friends and loved ones with advice and support throughout the years. 

He leaves to celebrate his life two children, Felicia and Benjamin; three grandchildren, Kambui, Nuari, and Nife LeBlanc; two great-grandchildren Aje Lee LeBlanc-Riley and Musa Bray LeBlanc Riley; a whole host of nieces and nephews, cousins and lifelong family friends. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home, 628 W. Main Street, Kent, OH 44240 with burial to follow at Standing Rock Cemetery.

Services in care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home & Crematory.

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