Billy Jack Johnson

Graveside services for retired US Air Force Captain, Billy Jack Johnson, will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Fairview Cemetery, Denison, Texas. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 21 from 11am--8pm, with family receiving visitors from 11am--2pm. Bill passed away at his home on Thursday, March 16, 2017 after a battle with cancer. He was 83.
Born April 23, 1933 in Checotah, Oklahoma to Otto and Hazel Estelle (Wilson) Parker, Bill lived in several places during his childhood. He graduated from high school in Tulsa and enlisted with the US Air Force, rising to the rank of Tech Sergeant before being accepted to flight school and earning a commission. During his military service, Bill honorably served his country as a pilot with multiple tours to Vietnam. He earned multiple medals during his service including the Purple Heart for his brave actions.
In November of 1960 he married Mavis Strom, and the couple, and later family, lived in multiple locations due to his military service; Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico, Germany, and eventually Claremore. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he worked for Alleghany Ludlum and Oklahoma Tubular Products.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mavis, and his daughter Gina Sheffield. Those family members that survive include his son Craig Johnson and wife Shirlene of Chelsea, his daughter Dawn Childress of Claremore, and his granddaughter Rachel Childress, also of Claremore.