Willie Joseph Johnson was born December 9, 1926 in Charleston South Carolina, the youngest of
three children born to Ms. Lottie Campbell. As with many women of the era, Ms. Lottie was a
domestic worker, so Willie was raised by his maternal Uncle, Thomas Jones and his wife Bertha
(Bert) in Jacksonville Florida. Raised Catholic, Willie was a product of the parochial and public
schools of Jacksonville. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Navy, completed his tour and was
honorably discharged.

Returning to Jacksonville after his Navy stint, Willie met his first wife Rachel, from their union two
children were born, a daughter Verona and son Jerome. Willie moved his family to the bright lights
of New York City, and began working with the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) as a
Conductor - A post he held until his retirement over 30 years later. In his later years, he fondly
reminisced about his transit days, talking to anyone who would listen about the things he saw on the
train platforms, and most notably, his last assignment as Conductor on the famed "money train".
While on vacation in Jacksonville, Willie met his second wife Annette, from this union a daughter,
Mildred, was born. During this time, Willie's eldest daughter Verona, passed away unexpectedly,
leaving Willie and his first wife, Rachel, to take on the responsibility of raising her only son Jamal.
Willie took on this task and altered his life to accommodate his grandson.
Never straying from his Catholic upbringing, he attended Mass weekly, was an avid tither, and active
in his parishes in New York and Jacksonville, respectively.

Upon retirement from MTA, Willie relocated to his family home in Jacksonville, where he joined a
bowling league, and the Royal Diplomats. He became a season ticket holder of the Jumbo Shrimp
(formerly the Jacksonville Suns). He was affectionately known as "pops" and highly regarded by the
owners, team and fans. This affection culminated in a special seat assignment, and parking space at
all home games. He was also a season ticket holder on the newly expansion Jacksonville Jaguars
football team, which he labeled "the raggedy Jaguars" on regular basis. Always the social butterfly,
Willie was active in the Jacksonville Jazz festival, participated in the MTA retirees' functions, and any
other major event happening in Jacksonville... any reason to put on suit, extra cologne and look
good! That was our Willie…….

Willie is survived by; Son Jerome (Valerie), Daughter Mildred (Antonio); Grandsons Jamal,
(Khadijah)Vaughn, Darien, & Shadrach, Great Grands Saddiq, Vannah, & Elisah Maryam; Great
Great Grandchildren; Niece Joyce, ex-Wife Annette, Cousins, God children, and a host of friends.
The family would like to thank Bobby and Sheryl Winters, and Joan Davenport for taking care of
Willie in his latter years.

Submitted with love,
The Johnson family