Billy Ray Johnson

Billy Ray Johnson, 88, of Cottle, KY, passed away on Wednesday May 18th, 2022, in Fayette County, KY, at Homestead Post Acute after a brief illness. He was born on Stacy Fork, KY, on June 26, 1933. He was the son of the late William Woodson Johnston and Flora Mae Stacy Johnston.

Bill worked for Southern States as a well-known feed and supply salesman in Index and on Prestonsburg Street in West Liberty for several decades. Once retired, he worked as a bailiff of Morgan County for several years before fully enjoying staying home with his family and dog, Whitey. Bill served the United States Army honorably in Korea, often sharing his experiences there with his many family and friends.

Bill was united in marriage to Willa Mae Holbrook Pennington and then Miriam Blanche Barker, both who have preceded him in death. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Gerald Dale Johnson, and grandson, Kevin Scott Johnson, II. Also preceding him in death were brothers, Elmer and Evert Johnson as well as sisters, Louise Hill, Marie Patrick, Betty Goodpaster, and infant sister Irene Johnston.

Bill is survived by two sons, Joel Ray (Debbie) Johnson and Kevin Scott (Polly) Johnson, both of Flat Gap, KY, and one daughter, Suzanne (Sonny) Vance, of Cottle, KY. He is survived by six grandchildren, Melissa (James) Bevins, Royce Kendall (Allie) Vance, Leahshea Vance, Angela (Allen) Hayden, Veronica Marcum, and Ralph Whitaker; and ten great-grandchildren Dylan, AJ, Zola, Leah, Shanetta, and Easton.

Funeral service 11 a.m., Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the Potter Funeral Home, with Bro. Danny Collins officiating. Burial to follow in the West Liberty Memorial Gardens, West Liberty, KY, with the Morgan County DAV, Chapter 132, to conduct Military Rites. Visitation 6 – 9 p.m., Friday, May 20, 2022 at the funeral home.

Pallbearers: Dylan Blankenship, A.J. Blankenship, Kendall Vance, Sonny Vance, Raymond Smith, Logan Bowling, Kevin Brooks, and Mike Davis.

Honorary Pallbearers: All His Many Friends.

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