WILLARD BLAKE JOHNSON
Life-long resident of Mobile, Alabama, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023, at the age of 96. He was surrounded by family and friends. Willard was a WWII Veteran, and served in the United States Marine Corp, 6th Marine Division. Serving November 1944 - August 1946. He fought at The Battle of Okinawa (Operation Iceberg). He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corp League P. L. Wilson Detachment #447. American Legion Post 88 in Mobile, Alabama. His commendations include, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, The Navy and Marine Corp Medal and received the Purple Heart.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Juanita B. Johnson. Parents, Durward B. Johnson, Sr., Corine McLeod Johnson. Three sisters, Marjorie E. Johnson, Sharon J. Horner, Alyce J. Igo, two brothers, Durward B. Johnson, Jr. (D. B.), Howard P. Johnson (Bubba), [Pat].
Survived by two daughters, Valli J. Diamond, Ashley L. Johnson, both of Mobile, Alabama, one-granddaughter, Blakely G. Diamond, Mobile, Alabama.
Sister, Barbara J. Wood (Harold) of Mobile, Alabama, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A member of Mobile First of the Nazarene for 94 years. He served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and Church Board Member. He was affectionately known as the "Candy-Man". He and Juanita were two of the kindest, compassionate, and loving individuals.
He retired after 36 years with the GM&O and Illinois Central Gulf Railroad from May 26, 1950 - August 1, 1986.
He loved fishing, shrimping and entertaining family and friends at their Dauphin Island home.
He was an avid Alabama Fan, forever "Roll Tide" and shared that love with his daughters and granddaughter.
He was quite the character with a quick sense of humor. He would use the phrase or response of "Awe Shucks" quite often.
The last six months he was provided with loving compassionate assistance from his care givers; Ta'Asia Jones, Franchy Coleman, Alicia Barnett, Nykiel Autry, Wanda Berryhill, Lateya Agee (Ms. Tee) of Mz T Patient Care & Sitter Service.
August 6, 1926 — May 19, 2023
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Mobile First Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, May 27, 2023, 11 o'clock, 669 Azalea Road, Mobile, Alabama, 36609. Visitation will be 9:30 AM to 11 AM, prior to the service. Followed by Interment at Mobile Memorial Gardens, 6040 Three Notch Road, Mobile, Alabama, 36619.
