Joseph William "Bill" Johnson

Joseph William “Bill” Johnson, 79, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis. He was born September 6, 1934, in Indianapolis, the son of Forest and Crystal (Rodenburg) Johnson. He married Nancy Yanzer on July 2, 1960, and she preceded him in death on May 30, 1991. Later, he married Mary Mellentine, and she survives. Other survivors include daughter, Cindy Reece and husband, Steve, of Shelbyville; sons, Todd Fix of Shelbyville and Michael Johnson and wife, Rhonda, of Shelbyville; step-son, Chad Mellentine and wife, Susan, of Missouri; grandchildren, Yancy Bushfield and wife, Jessica, Jesse Bushfield and wife, Lindsey, Brandon Johnson, Caitlin Johnson, Megan Fix and Ryan Fix; two step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and special friend, Rosanne Howell of Shelbyville. He was also preceded in death by his parents. Bill graduated from Osgood High School in 1952. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp, serving during the Korean Conflict. Bill was the Vice President, Owner and Operator of F & J Custom Cabinets, Inc. from 1981, until retiring in 1999; prior to that he worked at Welch Kitchen Cabinets from 1965 to 1981; and Admiral Corporation from 1951 to 1965. He also formerly owned the Ole’ Windmill Bed and Breakfast. After retirement, he worked at Bear Chase Golf Course thru the 2013 season. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge No. 457, Moose Lodge No. 2118, Eagles Lodge No. 766 and American Legion Post No. 70. Bill was an avid golfer and played softball in his younger years. He enjoyed dancing, antiquing, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 1 pm, Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bill “Billy White Shoes” Johnson Memorial Golf Scholarship, in care of the Blue River Foundation, 54 W. Broadway St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.