Johnson, Mr. Willie, a resident of Montgomery, AL, departed this life on Friday, January 24, 2025. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 1,. 2025 at 2:00PM from Freewill Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Quentin Byrd, Pastor, and Rev. Edward J. Nettles, Eulogist with a burial following in Canaan Baptist Churchyard Cemetery.

Mr. Willie Johnson Jr. will lie in repose on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 1-8PM at Phillips-Riley Chapel, and at the church on Saturday one hour prior to services.

Willie J. Johnson Jr. was born on July 31, 1950, in Montgomery, Alabama, to the late Willie J. Johnson Sr. and Alberta Johnson. He was the eldest of six children. Willie accepted Christ at an early age and was dedicated to his faith throughout his life.

Willie attended St. Jude Catholic School, where he was both a scholar and an athlete. He held leadership roles, including Class President and Student Body President, and maintained academic honors, graduating with the Class of 1968.

After high school, Willie attended Alabama A&M University before enlisting in the United States Army in 1972. He served with distinction in Vietnam, earning numerous decorations for his service. While stationed at Fort McClellan in 1975, Willie married Melvinie Lockhart, and together they had three children, along with a daughter from a previous union.

Willie continued his education at Troy State University, earning two Master's Degrees and pursuing a Doctorate. He later worked as a supervisor at the Alabama Department of Health and served as the Executive Director of Medicaid for the state of Alabama. Willie was recognized for his dedication and accomplishments in public service before retiring as a United States Disabled Veteran.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four of his siblings: Andrew Johnson Sr., Roberta Johnson Franklin, Irvin Johnson, and David Johnson Sr.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory:
His four loving children, Tiffany Greenfield, Elizabeth Johnson, Willie Johnson III, and Christopher Johnson;
Seven grandchildren, Cierra, Michael, Marcus, Asia, Willa, Willow, and Prince;
Six great-grandchildren, Houston, Dakota, Dominique, Ahmad, Aliyah, and Quindarian;
His sister, Lizzie Hardie; Brother-in-law, Brent Hardie Sr.;
A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He will also be fondly remembered by special friend Betina Vernon; devoted cousin, Beverly Moncrief; and close friends, Alfonzo Nelson, Benard Clark, Alfred Bell, and Mitchell Donnerson.

Willie’s legacy of service, love, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.