William "Billy" Johnson

Billy Johnson (William Prentice Johnson), 84, of Conyers, GA, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, at Rockdale Hospital. Saturday, April 11, at 10:00 AM at Rockdale Baptist Church in Conyers, GA, a Celebration of Life Service will be held because Billy Johnson's life was definitely something to be celebrated. Billy was born in Macon, GA, to W.P. & Grace Johnson. He grew up with his wonderful parents in East Dublin, GA, where he learned to farm, fish, play sports, and most importantly, what it meant to love his family, to love his neighbors, and to love Jesus. Billy loved learning and sharing what he learned with others. After he graduated from East Laurens High School, Billy continued his education at the University of Georgia, where he initially studied medicine but soon realized that God had called him to be a teacher and an educational leader. Billy, the first of his family to graduate from college, received a degree in science education. With a new degree and a head full of knowledge, Billy became a science teacher, a basketball coach, and a football coach at Laurens County High School and Dublin High School. It was at Dublin High School that he met a pretty, young English teacher named Caroline, who quickly became the love of his life. The two coached basketball together and supported each other as they continued their careers in education. With Caroline at his side, Billy went on to become an accomplished leader in education. He started as Assistant Principal at Dodge County High School and then served as Principal at East Laurens High School, where he successfully overcame the incredible challenge of integrating the schools because he believed that all people should be afforded a good education that leads to a life of choice and freedom. These experiences, along with starting a family of his own, made him want to improve education on a broader scale. Billy was elected as Superintendent of Laurens County School System for 3 consecutive terms. During his tenure as Superintendent, he held teachers to high expectations, improved educational standards, and worked tirelessly to improve student achievement. It wasn't long before Billy's accomplishments attracted attention, and Dr. Charles McDaniel asked Billy to work for the GA Department of Education as the Associate State Superintendent of Vocational Education. He was instrumental in opening some of the first vocational education schools in the state of Georgia and in bringing vocational education opportunities into GA high schools. Upon retirement, he continued to work as an interim superintendent for several systems and as a consultant with the GA School Boards Association. Billy has made a far-reaching and long-lasting impact on the educational system and students in the state of GA. But as committed as he was to his career, he was even more committed to building a life of opportunity and joy with his family. Billy and Caroline shared a special bond and an unshakable love for each other that lasted 57 years. They shared a love for gardening, golfing, fishing, bike-riding, camping, and traveling. By their 50th year of marriage, they had traveled to all 50 states and played golf in each one. They completed the Bike Ride Across Georgia together 6 times and enjoyed every challenging mile they pedaled together. Billy is survived not only by his wife, Caroline, but also by their three children, Daphnee, Jorie, and Bill, whom he loved with all of his heart. He was an amazing father who passed on the values that his parents instilled in him to love family, to love our neighbors, and to love Jesus. He never missed an opportunity to teach them something new or celebrate their accomplishments with them. He and Caroline created a safe, joyous, and loving home to share with their children while encouraging and equipping them to be the best versions of themselves. The family eventually expanded to include Daphnee's husband, Matt Stewart, and Jorie's husband, Jeff Wright. Billy loved his sons-in-law as fully as he loved his children and was so proud of them. For both Matt and Jeff, Billy modeled a wonderful example of what it means to be a husband and a father. Because of this, he is also survived by his six beautiful grandchildren, Sam, Kade, Sydney, and Colin Stewart, and Will and Jocelyn Wright. He loved them fiercely and was exceedingly proud of his grandchildren and shared a special bond with each of them. Someone reading this may say that Billy Johnson's life was a great example of what comes out of hard work, dedication, good choices, and maybe a little luck. While all of those things might have been part of his story, Billy would tell you that his life was as full as it was not by anything he did on his own, but because of the love and grace of God. Billy loved many people and many things, but what he loved most of all was Jesus and the life he found because of the love of Christ. Billy Johnson dedicated his life to loving and serving Jesus. The love for his family and his career calling was not the extent of his service for the Lord. Billy served the churches he belonged to, New Bethel Baptist Church and Rockdale Baptist Church, in many capacities. He served as both a deacon and an elder, and he taught Sunday School for over 40 years. He has been instrumental in the development of the men's ministry at his church and served for many years as a Gideon. His service for God has impacted more lives than anyone will ever know, and in ways that are deeply personal and have a lasting impact. To know Billy Johnson was to love Billy Johnson. He was a brilliant teacher, a humble servant, a faithful friend, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. No matter if you knew him for a lifetime or for only a few minutes, he made a lasting impression. The gentle echoes of his life will go on and on in the lives he impacted, the love he shared, and in the legacy he left for us all. Visitation will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, at Scot Ward Funeral Home from 5 PM -8 PM. (669 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA, 30012) A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Rockdale Baptist Church in Conyers, GA at 10:00 AM. (1295 Smyrna Road, Conyers, GA 30094) A burial service will also be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Dublin Memorial Gardens at 5:00 PM. (2986 US-80, Dublin, GA 30012) In place of flowers, the family asks that you consider making an honorary donation to: Condolences may be submitted online at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

William "Billy" Johnson

November 20, 1941 - April 8, 2026