William J. Johnson, Jr. Obituary (1979

TENANTS HARBOR & FARMINGTON, NEW MEXICO - William J. Johnson, Jr., "BJ", 27, died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, Wednesday, April 18, 2007 in Farmington, New Mexico. Born May 16, 1979 in Rockport, he was the son of William J., Sr. and Deborah Black Johnson. BJ was educated in St. George schools and was a 1998 graduate of Georges Valley High School. For over ten years he worked with his grandfather at Harlan Black Construction. BJ took great pride in running the excavator for that company. Over one year ago BJ moved to Farmington, New Mexico to be near his mother. While there he had been working as a cook at Applebee's Restaurant. BJ made many friends during his short time in New Mexico. BJ's biggest passions were working on cars, motorcycles and operating heavy equipment. He was currently enrolled in a motorcycle repair class. He also enjoyed four wheeling with his friends. BJ's family remembers his quick wit and sense of humor and said he could always make others laugh. He took great pleasure in spending time with and lobstering with his dad, working with his brother-in-law Gary, and showing his four year old nephew big machines. He was a hard worker and always willing to lend a helping hand to others. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. His family said the fun he enjoyed with his friends and the laughter he brought to all will never be forgotten. Predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Albert J. Johnson in 2006 and his maternal grandfather, Harlan F. Black in 2001, BJ is survived by his father, William J. Johnson, Sr. and his wife Debbie of St. George; his mother, Deborah Peek and her husband Dewayne of Bloomfield, New Mexico; his three sisters, Shasta Johnson Minery and her husband Gary of Tenants Harbor, Samantha Herring of Tenants Harbor; Sherri Johnson Spake of Buxton, North Carolina; two step-brothers, Jeff Delaney and his wife Beckie of Tenants Harbor, Nick Delaney of Portland; his nephew, Drew Minery of Tenants Harbor; his girlfriend Jaime Hyler of Thomaston and Farmington, NM; his paternal grandmother, Jennie Johnson of St. George; his maternal grandmother, Charlene Black of Tenants Harbor; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. A Celebration of BJ's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 26, 2007 at Tenants Harbor Baptist Church. Interment will follow at North Parish Cemetery, Wiley's Corner, St. George. Pastor Douglas Anderson will officiate. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.