Willie Johnson Obituary in Montgomery at Phillips-Riley Funeral Home

Obituary For Willie Johnson

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.

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Maria Douglas planted 5 trees in memory of Willie Johnson . - January 30, 2025

Plant trees for Willie Johnson

Winnfred Timmons sent The Peace Lily for Willie Johnson - January 30, 2025

Winnfred Timmons sent Sacred Duty Spray for Willie Johnson - January 30, 2025

Looking back as an ex-Medicaid employee, you were a great leader. May your soul rest in peace.

Vivian Howard-Tuck

Apologize for the multiple entries family. I was a little too friendly with the SUBMIT button lol ~ Many Blessings Everyone

Joan “Joni” Vernon

To the family, May the memories you all share continue to bring joy, laughter and comfort. Thankful to join with you all in Celebration of this truly great man.
Mr. Johnson, as we lovingly call you, thankful for every lesson, lecture and priceless words of wisdom you have shared with us. You have taught me how to grow, embrace my uniqueness and never stop learning! Most importantly you've told me with words and show me in actions how a man is to love a women. I am forever grateful for the love you have shown my daughter, my Mom and our whole family. As we celebrate you today and everyday we will forever celebrate your birthday, your life and hold an untouchable space in hearts for you. You showed up and showed out in this lifetime Mr. Johnson and we honor you! Love you always ~ Joni

Joan “Joni” Vernon

Willie, you mean so much to me. Thank you for taking me in as your granddaughter and for giving me countless laughs and beautiful memories. Your presence will be deeply missed, but your love and lessons will stay with me forever.
You showed so much love to me and my grandma. You two taught me the meaning of real love, never leaving each other's side. We will always carry your name proudly. There will never be another Willie Johnson. Thank you for standing by us and being the best grandfather anyone could ask for.
To Ms. Liz, thank you for never leaving his side. Now, he will forever live by yours. To the family and friends, thank you— you will be in my prayers.
From the words of Willie: "We're all we've got." Together, we'll keep his memory alive. We've gained a warrior in the spiritual realm who will be with all of us.
Rest in peace, Willie. You will always be loved.

Taylor Vernon

To the family—I am so sorry for your loss. Willie was an amazing soul who always had words of wisdom and inspiration. Most of all, he was a loving man of God. He will be missed. Rest in Heaven my friend.

Sundra Thomas

May the repose soul of Willie Johnson rest in peace.

St. Jude Class of 1974

I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord continue to keep His healing and comforting hands upon the entire family during this difficult time. Just know that God is able. He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. Call on the Lord and He will see your family through.

Arthur Anderson

To the family: Willie was an amazing man and his loss deeply felt. You are in my prayers.

Bettina Vernon

To the love of my life, thanks so much for your wisdom and your love. We have been truly blessed to have shared an amazing 24 years. I miss you beyond words. I know you have lived in God's favor and he still has his arms around you. You are always with me. Love you so very much. Your Tina.

Bettina Vernon

My condolences to a Great Person a Great Man and a Dear Friend. He was truly a great protector because he one of the best offensive lineman that ever played at St.Jude Catholic High School. It is an honor and a privilege to be your Dear Friend. MUCH LOVE.

Alfred (Ding Dong) Bell

Condolences to the family. Will miss the fun times.
Robert Richardson

Robert Richardson

Rest well Uncle Willie Jr. I love you forever! Tell my daddy and the rest of the gang I said hello!

Shameria Johnson-Nelson

Willie was our dear friend. He drove to Texas whenever our family was celebrating a special occasion, our 40th Anniversary Party and our daughter's, Barbara wedding. We were still laughing about some of those ventures 20 years later. He was my faithful Facebook friend. I would post and he would tell Bernard what was going on in our family. (lol). He always wanted to know if I cooked the many recipes that I would post. (lol). He came out to support our daughter on her ventures. He was always there for the Clark's. We will miss you our dear friend. Rest Well. Tina and Bernard Clark

Tina Clark

We pray for salvation for the soul of Willie and comfort for the Johnson family as you morn the loss of your loved one. Anchored in Christ,⚓ St Jude's Alumni and Friends Assn.

St Jude's Alumni and Friends Assn.

To the family I wish to convey my deepest sympathy for your lost. I talked with Wille everty Sunday for the past 15 years we solved all the world problems (smile). he will be missed. Bernard Clark

Bernard Clark

My heartfelt condolences to my children and extended family—Shameria, David Jr., Lizzie, Brent, and the entire Johnson family. I am holding you close in my thoughts and prayers, wishing you comfort and strength during this difficult time. I'm here for you as you navigate this journey together. Tiff, Liz, Willie III and Chris....Rest Easy....

𝙅𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙮𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙨

Elizabeth and family, our condolences to you and our family during this time. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Willie Jr. will be missed greatly. He was the best Brother-N- Law ever. May God comfort your hearts like Only He Can. Much Love, Aunt Winkie & Uncle Gary

Winnfred Timmons

Liz, you have my deepest, most sincere condolences. Your father was so dear to me. I enjoyed checking on him as his nurse because he was so insightful and wise. He will truly be missed. May God bless you and provide you with everything you need during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ebone'

Rest well my friend.

MATHEW GRAY

Pernell sends hugs & lots of love to the Johnson & Hardie.

Sheila Pernell

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Phillips-Riley Funeral Home | Montgomery, AL