Clinton Johnson
Clinton Richard Johnson Jr., lovingly known as Bill, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the age of 95.
Visitation: 1-2PM Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.
Memorial Service: 2PM Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.
He was born on February 8, 1930, in Grafton, Illinois, to Clinton R. Johnson Sr. and Enid Eleanor Robinson. His family moved to Texas when Bill was about 3 years old and lived in The Lamarque and Texas City area until he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1949.
Bill served honorably under the Air Training Command as a Technical Instructor Trainer, at Keesler AFB earning both the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. His final assignment brought him to James Connally AFB in Waco, Tx–where he found his forever home. He was honorably discharged in 1954.
In 1951, Bill married Rose Dlabay (d. 2012) and together they raised four children: Cindy Parker (Doug), Clinton “C.R.” Johnson III (Sue), Jerry Johnson (Becky), and Lori Allen (Kenny). With their growing family, they made their home in the Bosqueville/China Spring area, where they created countless happy memories.
In Waco, Bill founded Johnson TV and Radio Service on 15th Street back in 1955. He was believed to be the first color television technician in the city. He also worked for General Dynamics working on the B52 bomber radar systems along with instructing electronics repair at TSTI/TSTC.
Sometime in 1981 Bill married Janell Carruth (d.2001) and their family circle grew even wider. At this time Bill and Janell built a 2nd home and Bill pursued his passion for flying by purchasing a private plane. He loved taking family and friends on adventures in the sky—sometimes even adding a few playful maneuvers for fun. He cherished time spent with his children and 11 grandchildren and especially enjoyed traveling to his favorite place, Cloudcroft, NM.
Bill is survived by his sisters, Margeret Tyler (Dickinson, TX) and Dolores Messina (Crawford, TX); his 4 children; 11 grandchildren – Aubrey Hargrove, Lindsey Parker, Shea Patrick, Clint Johnson, David Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Jake Johnson, Dusty Johnson, Katie Johnson, Kelly Allen and Kory Allen Holt; 15 great grandchildren along with many beloved nieces and nephews that called him Uncle Billy. According to one nephew, “Uncle Billy was so cool!” A special friend to Bill was Dorothy Bozarth (d.2010).
To his family, he was Daddy, Grandpa, Bepa and Uncle Billy a source of wisdom, love and laughter. He will be remembered as a soft spoken, quiet, hardworking man who had a mind of his own and stayed true to it. The most inventive and resourceful person you could ever meet—a steady presence with a dry sense of humor, quick wit and generous heart. Though his earthly presence with be deeply missed, we rejoice to know he is whole again and resting in peace. Until we meet again, we will carry him in our hearts and honor his memory.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Sunset Nursing Home and Sunset Hospice in Clifton for their exceptional care and kindness.
Memorial donations may be made to the China Spring Youth Athletic Association or the Bosqueville Youth Athletic Association or the National Parks Service, causes that reflect Bill’s love of community, family, and the great outdoors.