Billy Johnson, 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, May 11, 2010. Funeral: 9 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Arlington, 301 S. Center. Interment: 10 a.m. Friday at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Moore Funeral Home. Memorials: First Baptist Church of Arlington Children's Camp Scholarship Fund so less fortunate children may have the joy of camp fellowship. Billy Norris Johnson was born April 22, 1925, in Mount Pleasant and was a longtime resident of Fort Worth and Arlington. He was a loving father and proud grandfather. He loved children and considered it a pleasure to attend Children's Camp every year with First Baptist Church Arlington. After recognition as the oldest camper, he continued to minister to children every year. He always rejoiced about his children's Sunday school classes and watching these children grow up to be adults with Christian families. In addition to his Children's Camp duties, he served as a deacon with First Baptist Church Arlington and was the minister of music with Eighth Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Married to Nellivee Johnson for 57 glorious years, Billy provided a lifetime of happiness for Nellivee and demonstrated his love for her every day. Prior to his professional career, Billy enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served his country and excelled as a drill instructor with the rank of sergeant. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, he was employed by Foshea and Central Electric Co. as a master electrician in 1945. Subsequently, he was employed by General Dynamics for 33 years where he served in many capacities, including supervisor for plant services. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 116 and Local No. 20 for 59 years. He was a proud Mason and a member of the Tabernacle Lodge for over 50 years where he was past master. After retiring from General Dynamics, he began a second career with the durable medical equipment industry as the president of Texas Medical Inc. His engineering skills were a valuable industry asset while he consulted with major manufacturers on the design of life-sustaining medical devices. His ability and attention to detail made his input an irreplaceable asset for more than 25 years. As a member of First Baptist Church for more than 49 years, he always placed family first. Billy was an identical twin, who preceded him in death, in a family of 14 children. His death marks the end of a generation of a successful family. Billy was a special person to his family and a shining example of family first. He will be missed, but not forgotten. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellivee. Survivors: Son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Debra Johnson of DeSoto; daughter and son-in-law, Dena and Rob Moran of San Benito; son and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Karen Johnson of Arlington; grandchildren, Christopher and Natalie Johnson, John, William and Matthew Johnson, Mark and Greg Moran; great-grandchildren, Alex and Andrew Johnson; sister-in-law, Marie Wicklander of Dallas; brother-in-law, Don and Betty Brock of Mount Pleasant; sister-in-law, Pauline Johnson of Chandler; sister-in-law, Jean Johnson of Dallas; and sister-in-law, Mildred Johnson of Spartanburg, S.C.

Published in Star-Telegram on May 13, 2010