Billy D Johnson

Billy Don Johnson lovingly known as “Billy D.” or Poppy to his grandkids, passed away Saturday, August 28th, 2021, in Portland, Oregon. He was born September 18, 1951, in Baytown, Texas to the proud parents  Chester L. Johnson and Dorothy B. Johnson.

On March 9, 1945, Chester and Dorothy joined together in a beautiful union, to which 6 children were born, Clemmie, JoAnne, Chester Jr., Billy, Dorothy-Nell, and Cedric “Babe” all in Texas.

In 1956 the Johnson family packed the station wagon up and headed to Portland, Oregon to plant roots in The Great Northwest. Billy D. was very charismatic as a young boy who enjoyed riding his bike, playing sports and fishing with his uncle Buddy.

Billy attended and graduated from Highland School which is now known as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary. Billy D. attended Jefferson High School “Home of the Demos” and was a stellar wrestler and running back on the football team. In high school he was so happy to have gotten his drivers license at 15 years old and worked very hard after school to save money for his first car. He loved ole’ school classic cars and throughout his life he had a very nice collection of hot rods.

In the 8th grade Billy D. met the love of his life and soulmate Joanie Turner Mayo, they were high school sweethearts then were happily married March 16, 1985, in Vancouver, Washington. To that union 4 children were born (Stepson) Charles “Monte” Funches, Sarah-Nichole Johnson, Lavon Donisha Johnson, and Chonea Patrice Johnson.

Billy D. worked and retired from the Daimler Freightliner Trucking company in October 2005 with 40 years of service. As a husband, father, and grandfather- Poppy was an excellent provider and family man, he made sure that his main purpose in life was to provide and protect for his family by any means necessary!

If it was a fist fight or pistol show down, he was not the man to test or play with! :)

Billy D. was a great fisherman and grill master just like his father and oldest brother. The Johnson men are very well known in Texas, Alabama, California, and Portland of their butcher and grilling skills.

Billy was also a big sports fan who loved his Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia 76ers, he loved watching good boxing matches, the local news and sipping on his “Cocktails” and smoking on his cigarettes and telling people where they can’t park.

He leaves to cherish his dearest memories soulmate Joanie “JJ” Johnson of Portland, Oregon, three children and five grandchildren: Monte (Josey), Sarah-Nichole (Gregg), Lavone (Tony), Taianna Campbell, TaiVon Campbell, Vivienne Funches and Ava Funches, Roselynn-Simone Hall, Karen Hidalgo, a host of nephews and nieces, cousins, and family friends whom he respected and loved.

Billy D. will join in resting his youngest daughter Ebonea “Eboo”  P. Johnson, Father and mother; Chester L. Johnson Sr. and Dorothy B. Johnson; Siblings Cedric, JoAnne, Chester Jr., Dorothy-Nell, (in-laws) Henry Jones and Gwendolynn Johnson.

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