Obituary: William E. Johnson, 85

William E. Johnson, 85, of North Kingstown, died peacefully on Friday, January 08, 2016 at Scalabrini Villa. He was the loving husband of Mary Jean (Andrews) Johnson. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Sylvester A. Johnson and Frances E. (Ibbotson) Johnson.

Mr. Johnson was the owner and operator of Johnson’s Boat Yard of Wickford for 41 years until his retirement in 2004. He was an avid sailor, boat builder, and active member of the First Baptist Church in Wickford. He was a graduate of North Providence High School Class of 1948, graduate of the apprentice jewelry tool making program, and proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

Besides his wife, he leaves his two loving children: Gale A. White and her husband Michael of Eliot, ME and Russell A. Johnson and his wife Ellen of North Andover, MA. Cherished grandfather of Jared White of Dover, NH, Rachel White of Eliot, ME, Michaela Wheeler of Eliot, ME, Dylan Johnson of North Andover, MA, and great-grandfather of Jack Wheeler and William Wheeler, both of Eliot, ME.

His Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 11:00 am in The First Baptist Church in Wickford, 44 Main Street, Wickford. Burial will follow in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, North Kingstown. Relatives & friends are invited and may call on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD, 140 West Main Street, Wickford Village, North Kingstown. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory to The First Baptist Church in Wickford will be appreciated. For online messages of condolence, kindly visit www.CranstonMurphy.com