William Jackson "Bill" Johnson, Ph.D., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, rancher and community steward passed away peacefully on August 23, 2016, with his wife and daughters by his side. Born in Mason, Texas, he was always drawn to reading and education. After graduating from Mason High School and earning his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, he moved to Augusta, Georgia where he taught for more than 30 years at what is now Augusta University serving as Chair of the Languages and Literature Department. He was revered by his colleagues as preeminent in this position. He later pursued his love of the arts teaching film. During his tenure, he was named Educator of the Year and was awarded many distinguished faculty designations. He greatly appreciated and was an expert in Shakespearean and Shakespearean-era theater and literature, passing this same love along to other generations. In 2000, he retired and he and his wife Allison "Alli" moved back to Texas to run the family ranch.

Bill loved movies, music, camping, hiking, traveling, and fitness. He read voraciously and was known as a crossword puzzler extraordinaire, but most of all he loved his wife, Alli and enjoyed spending time with her, their four dogs and two cats at their ranch near London, Texas. He also enjoyed spending holidays and vacations with his daughters, Julie and Pam, and their families with many great memories made. In early July, Bill enjoyed hiking and camping in Big Bend National Park, a favorite place, with Alli and their two nephews – he truly enjoyed life to its fullest. Bill also believed strongly in doing good works and recently worked with his fellow church members of London United Methodist Church to create a fellowship hall dedicated to the community and its children.

His father and mother, James and Thelma Land Johnson, preceded Bill in death. He is survived by Alli Johnson, his wife of twenty-two years; his daughter, Julie and her husband John Irvin of Loveland, Colorado; his daughter Pam and her husband Keith Taylor of Bixby, Oklahoma; granddaughter Heather and her husband, Dustin Blackwood of Jenks, Oklahoma; grandson Kyle and his wife Katie Merritt of Bixby, Oklahoma; grandsons James Johnson and Michael Willis, three great grand-daughters Gracie Blackwood and Ellie and June Merritt, an aunt, his nephews Curtis and Robert Osburn, and many cousins.

Visitation with the family will be Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home. His funeral will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Long Mountain Cemetery.

Donations can be made to his church, London United Methodist, or to the EFL Discretionary Fund, Office of Advancement, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912.