Jos. W. “Billy” Johnson, Sr. born in Hill Top, MD on July 13, 1928. Went to Nanjemoy School. Left the Farm in 1946 at age 18. Worked for Frank Gilroy for 2 years. In 1948 he went to work for H.W. Lyon at La Plata Texaco Gas Station. After a few months he went to work at Earl’s Truck Stop. He was drafted in the Army in 1950. After induction he joined the 11th Airborne Division. He jumped from airplanes for 2 years; was Honorably Discharged on December 4, 1952. He worked as an insurance agent for 3 years. He then managed, owned, and operated Bel Alton Esso Gas Station and Bel Alton Motors selling used cars. He sold out on October 2, 1967. He joined Maryland Tobacco Growers. He held many positions for the 18 years he was there until it closed May 30, 1985. After the closing he went to work for M.W.R. Construction Company as the Foreman. In June 1988 he was forced to retire due to bad health reasons. He was a D.A.V. but he loved coon hunting. He had many friends in all walks of life. He married on September 1, 1952, to Edna M. Hamilton. They had 5 children 3 girls and 2 boys. He was a deeply devoted family Father.
Written by Family
Joseph William “Billy” Johnson, Sr., 89, of Bel Alton, MD, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2017, at Quality Health of Fernandina Beach, Florida, where he was being treated for kidney failure.
Born July 13, 1928, in Hill Top, MD, Billy was pre-deceased by his wife of 61 years Edna Mae Johnson and 8 brothers and sisters Avral, Ethel, Mary, Rosary, Cora, Josephine, James and Harold. He is survived by 2 sisters Annie and Elaine, 2 brothers Walter and Henry, 5 children Elaine, Joe, Nancy, Kathy, Jimmy, 6 grandchildren James, Tai, Casey, Jennifer, Amy, Corey, and 5 great grandchildren James, Charlotte, Noah, Mya, and Alexander.
In December 1950, Billy enlisted in the Army, 11th Airborne Division/511 Regiment where he served with Dwight Eisenhower. After leaving the Army, Billy sold life insurance and later purchased Bel Alton ESSO Gas Station and Bel Alton Motors a used car business. Billy was well known as the best mechanic in Charles County. He sold the station in 1967 and then worked for Maryland Tobacco Growers for 18 years before retiring.
Billy enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, dancing, and bluegrass music. He loved sitting outside waving and chatting with his beloved neighbors on Lomax Road.
Viewing will be held on Monday, September 11, 2017, from 10am to Noon at Huntt Funeral Home, 3035 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, MD. The funeral will follow at Christ Church Durham Parish, 8700 Ironsides Road, Nanjemoy, MD. *Please call Huntt Funeral Home at (301)645-7021 for confirmation of date and time.*
