Biography:

Billy Charles (Bill) Johnson of Little Rock passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 19, 2023. He was born May 3, 1932, in Little Rock. He grew up in Bigelow, AR and graduated from Bigelow High School. Bill retired as a Little Rock Police Detective Sergeant after over 20 years of service. He also served as a circuit court bailiff, a Perry County Deputy Sheriff and was a private investigator licensed in Arkansas. He worked for the Rock Island and Southern Pacific Railways and after high school worked as a telegraph lineman for the railroad in the northern US.

Bill was an avid gardener and enjoyed singing karaoke–especially George Jones, Ray Charles and Charlie Rich–His karaoke name was “Bigelow Bill.” He loved the horse races and even tried his hand at owning several horses over the years. Sometimes he would win, others not so much, but he was always optimistic. He never met a stranger and had a host of friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents: Roscoe “Bill” Johnson and Flora Markham Johnson. Daughter: Kathy Johnson. Son in Law: Richard Armstrong. Sisters and brothers-in-law: Margaret Johnson and O.L “Buck” Plunkett, Barbara Johnson and Tommy Gipson, Elaine Johnson Butler. Brothers-in-law: Larry Plunkett and Phillip Plunkett.

Bill is survived by his wife Donna (Plunkett) Gordon Johnson. Granddaughters: Marcy Wells (Mike), Allison McArthur and Summer Vaught. Great grandchildren: Dylan McFarland, Taryn Wells, Sydney Hinson, Tyson Wells, and Amelia Vaught. Brothers-in-law: Don Butler, Richard “Dick” Plunkett (Janet). Sister-in-law: Jenna Plunkett Hacker (Larry), and a host of nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Billy dearly.

Visitation will be at Ruebel Funeral Home on Friday, February 24th at Noon, followed by the service at 1 pm in the chapel. Graveside will be after at Volman Cemetery in Bigelow, AR. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com