William Joseph Johnson

William (Bill) Johnson age 74 of Pickerington passed away on March 14, 2023.
Bill was born on April 11, 1948 to Martha and Dale Johnson, Sr. in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from Bishop Hartley High School in 1966, Bill joined the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA-42; the USS Harwood DD861 and one tour in Vietnam as a riverboat engineman. Bill received his honorable discharged in 1970 and return to Big Bear Grocery stores for 4 ½ years.
In 1970, Bill married his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn, and they had two wonderful children, Angie and David.
In 1975, Bill made a career move to the printing industry and began working at Typographic Printing Company and retired after 34 years. In addition to being the shop union representative for 25 years, Bill was an active member of the Bexley American Legion Post 430 and served as post officer for a number of years; a member of the American Legion Pickerington Post 283; and VFW Whitehall Post 8794 where he held the position of Jr. Vice Commander.
Bill worked hard and played even harder. He enjoyed his pizza and beer and was an avid sports fan, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes. He enjoyed following local high school sports teams in central Ohio, and watching his grandson, Justin, play soccer, lacrosse, and ice hockey. He also enjoyed attending and cheering for his granddaughter, Alyssa at soccer and basketball games and attending her piano recitals.
Bill is preceded in death by: parents, Martha (Barrett), Dale R. Sr.; sisters: Helen McFadden, Carol Mileusnich; brother: Dale Jr.; and son-in-law John Ritchey.
Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carolyn, daughter, Angie Ritchey, son, David (Devon); grandchildren, Justin and Alyssa; sisters: Liz (Bill) Richards; Mary (Tom) Williams, brother-in-law Gene Mileusnich; sister-in-law, Janet Smith; brother-in-law, Bob Smith and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He enjoyed traveling for the past 20 years, with our good friends Jack and Marla and all the crazy, fun times we shared together.
The family thanks Dr. Mark Ricarte, Dr. Gina Moody, her Medical Assistant, Sharon, Dr. Garrett Mouser and Dr. Pollyea, for the great care Bill received. Without you, we would not have had him with us as long as we did. We also thank the hospice nurses, and his aid.
Friends and family may visit Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home 650 W. Waterloo St, Canal Winchester, OH 43110 Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Funeral of Christian burial will be held Monday, March 20, 2023, at 10:45 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 600 N. Hill Road, Pickerington, OH. Livestream link to view the service can be found at setonparish.com/watch. Online condolences can be found at spencefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Honor Flight of Ohio or to A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation, P.O. Box 387, Wayzata, MN 55391.