He was born and raised in Charlottesville and graduated from Albemarle High School. Bill enlisted in the United States Army and served his country honorably. His bravery in service earned him the Bronze Star Medal with the "V" Device for acts of heroism in Vietnam.

Born on September 7, 1945, Bill was the only child of the late Rosser Clay Johns and Dorothy Lambert.

Bill was very proud of, and is survived by his son, William Clayton Johns of Palmyra, Virginia; and daughter, Sylvia Grace Johns of Madison, Wisconsin; and two beautiful grandchildren, Clio Robnette Schurtz and Kingston Clay Johns of Palmyra, Virginia.

Bill met many friends during his employment with Sears and was a department manager for Kmart for over 20 years. He was an avid reader, enjoyed movies, and took great interest in history, politics, and sports. Bill loved running into old friends and meeting and talking with new acquaintances.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the University of Virginia Medical Center. Their professionalism, compassion, and care of the highest degree gave Bill and his family peace and comfort in the final days of his journey.

Bill will be buried in the Johns family cemetery in northern Albemarle County.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2014, at a location to be announced soon. Please consider signing the online guest book at www.dailyprogress.com and share any stories, anecdotes, or experiences you may have had with Bill.

Memorial donations in Bill's name may be sent to Veterans for Peace. 

Submitted by Connie Crenshaw