Mr. Billy Edward Johnson, 87, died Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford. Billy was born in Booneville, MS on July 15, 1935 to the Late Charles Johnson and Vera Wren Owens. Billy lived his early years in the Prentiss County area where he attended high school and was well known for his talent and love of basketball. It was at Wheeler High School that he not only pursued his passion for basketball but he also met his wife to be, Annie Margaret Goodger. Billy and Margaret were married in August 1954 just before he joined the Army to serve his country during the Korean War. Billy was deployed overseas where he spent much of his military career stationed in Germany. Upon his return to Prentiss County Billy and Margaret moved away from Prentiss County and began their family and professional careers. After working a brief period in the grocery and retail industry, Billy owned and operated “Billy’s Bestway” in Sherman, MS for well over twenty years where many friends and lasting relationships were made.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, AllyGrace Johnson; brother, George Owens; sister, Betty Jane Latham. Billy is survived by his wife for over 68 years Margaret Johnson of Tupelo, MS, a sister Vickie Schwan and husband Brian of Tupelo, MS and four children; Lynn Leathers and husband William of the Bahamas, Mark Johnson of Saltillo, Rhonda Whitehead and husband Phil of Brandon, MS and Andy Johnson and wife Pam of Wesley Chapel, FL. Additional survivors include 10 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren.
A service celebrating Billy’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM from the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel with Bro. Bert Harper officiating. The family will receive friend Monday, June 26, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo Chapel and on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until service time. For those unable to attend the service it may be viewed at https://www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/live-streaming/live-streaming on Tuesday and anytime thereafter.
Pallbearers for Billy will be his Grandchildren: Nat Leathers, Matthew Leathers, Luke Leathers, Braden Whitehead, John Mark Johnson, Leighton Whitehead, Hayes Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Bennett Johnson and Brehan Whitehead.
Those who wish to make a memorial donation in Billy’s memory may do so to The MS State Veterans Home, 120 Veterans Drive, Oxford, MS 38655
