Mr. Jessie W. "Bill" Johnson

Mr. Jessie William “Bill” Raymond Johnson, 64 of rural Toulon and formerly of Galesburg, died Friday afternoon, December 7, 2018 at his home.

He was born October 5, 1954 in Galesburg, the son of Raymond and Nellie Gay (Carter) Johnson.  He married Kimberly Musgrave on February 16, 1980 in Morton.  She survives.

He was a loving father to three children, Rebecca (and Mike) Geier of Roseville, Malinda Carley of Galesburg and Bill (and Erica) Johnson of Galesburg; wonderful grandfather of five grandsons, Justin Geier, Keegan Geier, Zander Carley, Dominic Carley and Jake Johnson; devoted son of  his mother, Gay Johnson of Wataga; mischievous brother of three sisters, Raylonda “Londie” (and Larry) Benson of  San Diego, California, Gayeleanor Sue Johnson of Wataga, and Leesa (and Keith) Stodden of Knoxville; and proud uncle of his nieces, Shawna Benson and Julie Benson, both of Los Angeles, California.

 He was preceded in death by his father, and an infant brother, Jimmy Ray Johnson.

Jess grew up in the Farmington and London Mills areas.  He graduated from Valley High School in 1973.  He served in the Army Reserves.  He worked at Gates Rubber Company.  He was a police officer for the London Mills, Abingdon and Farmington communities in the late 70's. He last worked at AutoZone in Galesburg.  He had lived in Galesburg for 37 years and had lived in rural Toulon the past two years.  He knew no strangers, especially when working at the Avon Store at the Galesburg Mall.  He enjoyed teasing the ladies and joking with the men.  He was a friend to everyone, whether he knew them or not.  He gave his all at everything he did and would do anything to help anyone who needed it. He was very talented in his wood carving, rebuilding cars and loved deer hunting.

Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, December 13, 2018 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel.  Pastor Melinda Bern will officiate.  Burial will be in Abingdon Cemetery.  Visitation will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the chapel.

Memorials may be made to the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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