Billie (Bill) Johnson

MSgt Billie (Bill) Johnson, USAF Ret., 89, peacefully left his earthly home in Amarillo, TX., with family by his side, on the morning of July 12, 2025.

Bill was born to Roy and Hallie (Wyatt) Johnson in Scott CO., MO. on September 7, 1935.

Preceding him in death were his parents, the love of his life, wife, Mary E. (Brothers) Johnson, his brothers, Buss, Charles, Jimmy, Donnie, sisters, Mildred, Gail, Helen, Norma, Sarah (Evie) Burns Wright, Betty, and Jo Ann. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kim & John Doggett, of Amarillo, TX, son, Richard & Kelly, aka “favorite daughter-in-law” (Boger) Johnson of Happy, TX, granddaughter and great-grandson, Cara & Greyson Doggett, and granddaughter, Hannah Doggett, of Amarillo, TX, sister, Bonnie Stinski of Healdsburg, CA and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Bill joined the Air Force in 1954, where he served with distinction for 20 years. He retired in 1974. Bill brought his family back to Sikeston to be closer to family and in hopes of keeping his kids close. That didn’t happen. John and Richard also served in the Air Force, taking his kids around the world.

After he retired from the Air Force, Bill worked as a supervisor for Arvin Industries. Later, he worked toward becoming a small aircraft mechanic, then joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He retired from the Patrol in 1997.

Bill was a member of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Missouri, AF & AM, York Rite and Scottish Rite and a member of the SEMO Shrine Clowns, where he was known as Billie White Shoes.

Bill had many hobbies. While stationed in Virginia, he volunteered as a Park Ranger at the Petersburg National Battlefield Park in Petersburg, VA. He loved to metal detect in search of Civil War relics, fishing, working on small engines, working with leather or wood, and after a good rain, searching for arrowheads. In his clown persona as Billie White Shoes, he enjoyed bringing a smile to kids, young and old. His favorite hobby was flying. He loved soaring in the sky around Missouri and surrounding areas. He especially enjoyed taking people up for their first airplane ride. After landing, he would present them with a certificate to commemorate their first flight.

Dad was a wonderful, husband, father, Pawpaw, Gpa, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend. He will be remembered for the love and generosity he showed to so many. He is loved and missed tremendously.

There will be a Celebration of Life held in Sikeston, MO at 10 a.m., on July 26, 2025, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 600 Pine St., Sikeston, MO. 63801. A family and friend potluck will follow afterward in Wesley’s Family Life Center. Please come with any stories and pictures you would like to share.

There will be another ceremony with Military Honors at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 17357 Stars and Stripes Way, Bloomfield, MO 63825.