William Louis Johnson

William Louis Johnson (WL), 84,  of Liberty, Texas passed away peacefully with his children by his side, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.  

William was born in Dayton, Texas on January 25, 1940, to father General Horace Johnson and mother Fannie Mae.  He was the oldest of two boys.

WL met and married Hopelene Sparks and together they raised 5 children.  He spent many years on the back of a shrimp boat where he made a living enjoying being out on the water.  He later retired from Shippers Stevedoring in Houston in 2006.  “Dub”, as many called him, never really met a stranger.  He made many friends fishing in the marsh or playing his guitar in the church band.   He loved Bluegrass music, and eventually passed on his musical talent to his youngest grandson.  He was a very hard worker, running heavy equipment on up into his 80’s out in the thicket. You could always catch WL with a smile on his face and a good story to tell. He spent much of his retirement traveling and enjoyed places like Colorado and New Mexico. His favorite things included dancing, spending time with his family at the deer lease and he never, ever passed up the opportunity for a good cup of coffee.

WL was proceeded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Hopelene Johnson, and his parents. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, survived by his partner of 16 years, Cindy Allen; brother, Douglas; son Harry James & wife Penny, son Jerry Hart and wife Joy, son Emmitt Lee, daughter Renee Lynn and husband Mark and daughter Shelly Lynn; his adored grandchildren, Stephanie Johnson Clark and husband Brett, Rachel Johnson Dinsmore and husband Brandon, Jake Johnson and wife Samantha and William Hutchison; great grandchildren, Lainey and Brooks Clark, Bryce, Colt and Adalyn Dinsmore, Evelyn, Ellasyn and Huck Johnson. As well as nephews, Merril and Randal Guynes.

A private celebration of life will be held by the family. WL’s wishes included that his ashes be spread in all the places he loved.