Billy Earl Johnson, 86, of Mooreville, Texas, passed away peacefully at his son’s home in Temple on Sunday, November 6, 2016, with devoted family at his side. Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 12, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr., with his grandson, Paul Romer, officiating and his sons Frank Johnson, Harvey Johnson and grandson, Jamie Johnson, giving the eulogy. Burial will follow at Mooreville Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, Nov. 11, at the funeral home.
Billy was born in Mooreville, Texas, March 6, 1930, to Harley Otis (Bud) Johnson and Gertie Pauline Williams. In his youth Billy learned the value of hard work and the importance of family while attending school in Mooreville and Chilton. He served during the Korean War with the U.S. Navy, participating in shore bombardment during the Inchon Invasion, et al. He received the Navy Occupation Medal, Korean Service Ribbon with 3 Stars, ROK Presidential Unit Citation Medal, China Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1952. After his service in the military he returned to Central Texas and married Ova LaVerne Maricle.
Having moved to Temple after their marriage, Billy and LaVerne quickly decided to return to their hometown to raise their two young sons, Frank and Harvey. They moved back to the community that had shaped them, trusting it would teach the same values to their children. They were both active members of the Mooreville community for over 50 years.
Following the Korean War, Billy used his experience from the boiler room on the Navy ship U.S.S. Toledo (CA 133) to help him land an engineering job at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Temple. He worked at the Marlin VA for two years and 30 years at the Temple VA, retiring in 1986. He enjoyed living in the country, where he raised chickens, planted peach/pecan trees, and tended to rose bushes. He loved football, especially the Dallas Cowboys. In retirement, he and LaVerne took up dancing and enjoyed visiting area dance halls with friends and family.
Billy was preceded in death by his wife and parents.
Survivors include his brother, Harley Johnson and wife, Lou; son, Frank Johnson and wife, Faye; son, Harvey Johnson and wife, Barbara; grandchildren: Jodi Goff and husband, John; Brandy Romer and husband, Paul; Jamie Johnson and wife, Michele; Tonya Kuykendall and husband, Jason; Jacki Haroldsen and husband, Byron; Jeremy Johnson and wife, Jaclyn; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be his great-grandsons.
The family would like to thank the staff of Providence Hospice for the thoughtful and professional care provided during the past few weeks.
Memorials may be made to Mooreville Cemetery Association, 261 Country Road 499A, Chilton, Texas, 76632.