William Lee Johnson

Martinez, GA – Mr. William “Bill” Lee Johnson, 74, entered into rest on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in Kingsland, GA. He was the devoted husband of the late Janice D. Johnson and a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Bill was born on January 1, 1951, in Glendale, CA, to Joseph Emmanuel Johnson (1919–1972) and Alice Lee Curnutt (1922–1964), and lived a life of service to his country, faith, and community. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served aboard nuclear submarines before beginning a civilian career in the nuclear industry as an instructor at Louisiana Power & Light in Marrero, LA, and later as a nuclear waste manager at Savannah River Site in Augusta, GA.

After converting to the Catholic faith in early adulthood, Bill discerned a call to ministry and was ordained into the Permanent Diaconate on September 15, 1995, at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. He served his parish faithfully for many years with compassion, dignity, and humility until health challenges ended his active ministry.

Bill is survived by his children: Michael Francis Johnson (Shannon), Christi Ann Hedgepeth (Everett), and Jennifer Lee Licklider (James); his fifteen grandchildren: Evan Michael, Caroline (Steven), Allison (Leon), Nicholas, Sarah (Blaike), Matthew, Amelia, Ella Kate, Samuel, Brendan, Evan Kapp, Ashley (Christopher), Joshua, Cheyenne (Zachary), and Zane; his great-grandson: Vaughn Leon; and his brothers: Frederick Joseph and Stephen Read.

He will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, his playful and good-natured humor, and his faith and devotion to family that sustained and inspired those around him.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Friday, August 29, 2025, at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 4921 Columbia Rd., Grovetown, GA. Interment will follow at the church columbarium, with a bereavement luncheon immediately afterward.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Social Services, 2620 Georgetown Drive, Augusta, GA 30906.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, GA 30907, (706)364-8484.