William Brett Johnson Sr.

West Point – William Brett Johnson, Sr., 69, died on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Columbus. Born on September 20, 1944, in Amory, he was the son of the late Charles William and Clara Hursh Brett Johnson.

Brett was a graduate of Amory High School, Class of 1962, attended Millsaps College, joined the US Air Force, and later graduated from the University of Colorado with an Accounting degree. He began his career as one of the first paramedics at Denver General Hospital, worked at Tupelo EMS, was an Assistant Administrator at GTRMC, was President and Administrator of Emergency Medical Association, and later owned and operated Discount Foods. Brett was a member of First Christian Church, Columbus. His life was focused on his faith, family, especially his grandson, and sports. Brett was a MHSAA and MACJC football official. A compassionate and generous man who loved his family, he enjoyed carpentry, golf, aviation, sprinkler systems, watching old movies, and listening to a variety of music.

Survivors include his sons, William Brett Johnson, Jr. (Kimberly Stewart Johnson), Columbus and Marcus Andrew Johnson, Titusville, FL; sister, Charlene J. Reese (Jimmy), Columbus; grandson, William Brett “B3” Johnson, III; cousin, Chuck Burhorn, Lucedale; nieces, Cynthia Lea Scott, Columbus, Debra Lynn Bilger, Caledonia, Amy Suzanne Johnson, Enterprise, AL; great-nieces and nephews, Erin Holloway, Katie Humphrey, Emily Chisolm, Elizabeth Grace Bilger, Bradley Scott, Matthew and Seth Johnson; a host of great-great-nieces and nephews; and special friend, Ina Rose Johnson, Columbus.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Friday, July 18 at North Boulevard Christian Church with Larry Ferguson and Ed Maurer officiating. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be A. J. Steverson, Lee Miller, Phil Armor, Fred Ledbetter, Ron Harper, Jim Davidson, and Tim Harper. Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons, Elders, and members of First Christian Church, Bo Price, Joe King, Charlie Box, Tommy Brown, Harold Weeks, Larry Marrett, Doug Brown, Dr. Whitaker, Cancer Care Center and Staff, Dr. Brett Brown, Dr. Brad Brown, and Dr. Osamoah.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Thursday at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory.

Memorials may be given to a charity of choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.