William S. Johnson

William Swift Johnson, 88, passed away on Monday August 22, 2022 in Princeton Maine at his daughter’s house. William was born in Cape Cod Massachusetts on October 1, 1933 to George Vernon Johnson and Lydia Joette Morris, while staying in Maine with his family he met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Gwendolyn Wheaton, with the two eventually moving to Maine where with the help of his brother he built the home he lived in.

William had an incredible work ethic. In addition to proudly serving as Deputy Fire Chief for the Harwich Fire Department, he was an undertaker, trucker, EMT, and worked the family Cranberry bogs. He was a man of short stature but a large heart, well loved by everyone in the community he had a smile for everyone and if he didn’t like you then you were probably a real “sonofagun”. He was proud to be a member of the Anah Temple Shriners, and a 32 degree Mason at Lewey’s Island Lodge. He enjoyed a life built on hard work, family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, William was predeceased by his brothers Vernon, Charles, and Richard Johnson; his sisters Lois Stearns and Pauline Starkweather; son Robert William Johnson; and special son-in law John Neddeau. Surviving him are his wife of 70 years, Gwendolyn Johnson; his sister Beverly-Thornton Johnson; his son John Vernon Johnson and wife Robin; and daughter Lydia Louise Neddeau. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Jeremy, Joshua, Kevin, and Keith Johnson, Michael Bohanon, Aaron, Billy, and Heidi Neddeau, Nathan Batson, and 8 great grandchildren.

A celebration of Billy's life will be held at graveside in Talmadge on his birthday October 1st with a reception following. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home Calais and Eastport.