Msg (Ret) William Harold Johnson

MSG (Ret) William Harold Johnson died on February 26, 2023.

MSG Johnson was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Johnson, mother, Mary L. Johnson, father, Shelby E. Johnson, Sr., brother, James E. Johnson and sister, Karen Johnson Jones. He is survived by his children Cheryl Johnson Atwood, Gary Johnson (Maritza), Larry Johnson, Scott Johnson (Tina), Mark Spenrath (Dawn), Roger Spenrath (Lacii), Jana Spenrath Carpenter (James) and by 9 grandchildren, brother, Shelby E. Johnson, Jr., sister, Carol Johnson Schmidt and brother, Jack Johnson Devaro.

MSG Johnson was born in Quinton, OK and grew up in McAlester, OK where he attended McAlester High School. He joined the US Army in April 1958 and retired at Fort Sam Houston, TX in July 1982 as a Computer Programmer. He attended schools for helicopter mechanics, personnel administration, data processing equipment and computer operations during his Army career. After retiring from the US Army, he went to work and retired with the US Postal Service.

One of the many highlights of his career was being a part of a team that implemented the Army’s first operational computer system for personnel accounting at Ft. Sam Houston, TX. This system was designed for personnel assigned to 4th US Army Headquarters and its subordinate units. He then was assigned to Heidelberg, Germany where he was a member of the team to implement this system for all US Army personnel assigned in Europe.

MSG Johnson received various awards during his time in military service. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd award), Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, Vietnam Service Medial, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Good Conduct Medal (7th award), Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon (2). MSG Johnson served two tours in Germany (Stuttgart and Heidelberg) and two tours in Vietnam. Stateside assignments included Fort Mcpherson, GA and Fort Sam Houston, TX. MSG Johnson was always active in his family’s activities by coaching youth activities including soccer, basketball, baseball and softball. He was also an avid bowler serving as the Association Director of the Heidelberg Bowling League (1976-1977). One highlight in Heidelberg was being selected to bowl against bowling professional Earl Anthony. MSG Johnson was a devoted family man who told the best bad dad jokes.

A Visitation will be held at Schertz Funeral Home on Monday, March 20, 2023 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The Funeral Service will take place the following day at Schertz Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 12:00 PM, with a Visitation beginning at 11:00 AM. Following the service there will be a funeral procession to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery for the Graveside Service at 1:30 PM.