William "Will" James Johnson
February 12, 1964 ~ February 24, 2024
William James Johnson, of Palestine, Texas, a cherished educator, devoted family man, and proud veteran, passed away surrounded by the love and warmth of his family on Saturday, the 24th day of February 2024. "Will" as he was best known, entered Heaven's gates at the age of 60. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas on the 12th day of February 1964, to Barbara Denny Johnson.
Born into a family that valued education and service, Will pursued his academic goals with vigor, earning a master's degree and graduating from both Troy University and Texas A&M University. His Aggie Spirit was a vibrant thread throughout his life, influencing his love for football and his enthusiastic support for his alma mater's teams. He also had a heart for Grapeland, a community that he held close. Over the years he formed many relationships that he deeply cherished.
Will's professional journey was marked by his dedication to shaping young minds as a History and Government and Economics Teacher at Grapeland High School. His passion for teaching and his ability to inspire his students will be remembered as one of his most enduring legacies. Will's commitment to his community was evident through his involvement with the Grapeland Lions Club and his service in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War, where he exemplified courage and patriotism with his Brothers in Arms.
Will was of the Episcopal faith which guided him in his daily life and was a source of comfort to those around him. His interests outside of work and service were simple yet profound. He loved sports, especially football, and could often be found cheering on his favorite teams, especially the Grapeland Sandies, with unbridled enthusiasm.
Family was the foundation of Will's life. He took exceptional care of his mother during her lifetime, a reflection of his unwavering love and respect for her. His affection extended to his canine companions, who were not just pets but beloved members of his family. Will's departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his memory will be cherished and celebrated.
He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas Sr. and Barbara Johnson; grandparents, William Denny and Marjorie Denny, and Kathleen and Buddy Johnson; and his daughter, Anabel Benitez.
Will is survived by his loving wife Christy Johnson; son, Kyle Carter and wife Diana, of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter, Anna Carter and husband Fabian Martin, of Palestine, Texas; sister, Jennifer Prout and husband Darren Froemming, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his brother, Tommy Johnson, of Grapeland, Texas; and his granddaughter, Brooklyn Martin. Will's other family members he held deeply in his heart as well, including his aunt and uncles, Bill and Jerry Denny, and William Denny, and his nephews, Tyler Dean Johnson, Christopher Logan Johnson, Caleb Everett Johnson, and Payton James Prout, along with many friends.
Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from six o'clock until eight o'clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 28th day of February 2024 at Rhone Funeral Home in Palestine.
Funeral services to honor Will Johnson's life are to be conducted at three o'clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 29th day of February 2024 in the Lorena Schoultz Auditorium, 116 W. Myrtle St., Grapeland, Texas 75844, with Dr. Don Jackson officiating the service. Following the service, the family will have a private interment in Davis Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Tommy Johnson, Payton Prout, Fabian Martin, Kyle Carter, Jason Jones, and Darren Froemming. Honorary pallbearers include Sean Richardson and Rowland Steele.
Funeral services for William James Johnson are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
We kindly request that you take a moment to express your condolences and share any cherished memories you may have by selecting the "Add a Memory" icon below. Your words of comfort will undoubtedly bring solace to his bereaved family.
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I remember when I had class with all boys. I was the only girl and he would always help stand up for me. He would also talk about his wife, granddaughter, and dog in class and what they would do and how much he loved them. Like when the dog’s tail/butt got caught on fire when barbecuing. He was an amazing teacher and always made everyone laugh.
Rest in peace, Will. You gave it a good run.
From your student Shaylie rice,
I remember when we were doing our daily icebreakers and I expressed my love for the Texas longhorns. So as an Aggie lover the next day I came in the class to find a photo of an Aggie walking a longhorn fan on a leash plastered to the white board. I will never forget his humorous personality and devotion to us as students. We will miss you.
Hello. Mr. Johnson was my World geography teacher. In the beginning of the year he seemed a little bit strict and harsh. At first I was not fond of him but throughout the semester I was able to learn how to take “REAL†and helpful notes to help we pass 9th grade. As I realized this, I was so grateful to have him as my teacher! I always tried to say Goodmorning, good evening, and ask him how his day was going. I always noticed that he had trouble with his knees and like a lesson that he taught us I would “Do something nice for someoneâ€. I enjoyed his class dearly and am greatful to have had such an amazing, dedicated, Teacher to teach me not only about the world, but about the people living on it and how to make ones day a little better. Condolences to all of his loved ones and He is in a better, chaos-free place now.â¤ï¸â¤ï¸ðŸ™
Will was my debate partner, neighbor, and friend. He was so intelligent and witty! I’m glad he spent his time as an educator bc he had so much to offer. My husband Joe loves to recount how Will would talk “trash†to their opponents on the line in football. He was always so much fun squabbling over our favorite football teams with too. He was a great human being. We will cherish the good times we shared growing up with Will.
Mr. Johnson was a remarkable teacher and a valued member of our community. His absence will be deeply felt. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.
I remember when Will and his family first moved to Grapeland. They Moved into the Weisinger house at the corner of Locust and Orange. I must have been around 11 or 12 years old and I was mowing the grass. Will walked up and introduced himself. I may have been the first friend he made in Grapeland. That started a friendship that has endured almost 50 years! The stories are too many to try to pick just one, good times, bad times and some epic times! I will have the memories and the stories to remember. I hate to say goodbye to my best friend but it’s not my choice to make. Someone upstairs needs him more than we do. Much love and respect! Rest easy brother.
I first met Will in May of 1989 in Ansbach Germany. He would later be my Team Chief for the first Gulf War. We spent much time in the field and in the rear together and got to know each other very well. He will be greatly missed those of us that served with him.
Will and I served in the Army stationed in Ansbach Germany with the 141st Signal Battalion. My deepest memories are from our time being together in Desert Storm. Will and I were part of a group of 8 soldiers who were attached to another unit during the war. The 8 of us were together 24/7 during the entire war. Being a time before the internet and cell phones, we all spent countless hours talking and supporting each other. I don’t think Will ever had 1 bad day out there. His smile and dedication to his soldiers and the mission made him an incredible asset to us as a group and the Army in general. It was my honor to have known Will and to serve with him in peace time and war time. Rest in Peace my friend.
Sending condolences to the family
Mr. Will Johnson
To know him was to Love him because if you truly knew him you couldn’t help but love him!!
He had a heart of gold, always went for the underdog and was a true advocate of justice!!
Mr. Johnson or as he would always tell me, “Just call me Will,†would say, “you don’t have to respect the person but you do have to respect their position,†this statement will forever remind me of his mom, Barbara Johnson. Ironically she taught me at this same school nearly 20 years ago. Also ironically, she was the same person to indoctrinate a level of respect for authority or position at my very stubborn, already grown age of 15!
I think “Will†cringed every time I called him Mr. Johnson. But I can’t help how well “his†momma taught me.
Will was blunt, real and sometimes opinionated but he was also open, objective and understanding…….until he wasn’t but if you know then You KNOW. He was a force to be reckoned with and the friend you wanted on your side!!
Being in Mr. Johnson’s class 3 hours a day and seeing first hand his passion to teach was very different. Will kept a certain level autonomy in the classroom. Students loved his “ice breakers†on Mondays and his genuine interest in what they learned that week on Friday’s! Students could openly ask him anything and know he would be real and give them a straight answer.
Thank you Mr. Johnson for being YOU!! We love you and will miss you everyday! Grapeland High School will never be the same!
Your friend and co-worker
Rachael Luce
Mr Johnson was my teacher for my junior and senior year! He will be missed! This year me and Mr. Johnson really connected. We would always talk about Texas A&M, he was the biggest aggie fan! We will miss all his stories and his goodmornings every day when we walk in class. I will never forget how much of an impact Mr. Johnson made on us kids, even if it was him telling us the hard truth. Ps. His first period senior class was most definitely his favorite! We love you Mr.Johnson and you will forever be in our memories!