William E. Johnson Jr. ’42

WILLIAM ELIJAH JOHNSON DIED May 1, 1994, after a long struggle with cancer. A retired lawyer in his home state, Texas, he had enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the practice of oil and gas law.

Bill joined the class from University H.S. in L.A., but left after freshman year to return to Texas where he received his undergraduate degree from the Univ. of Texas. After serving four years in the Army Air Corps during WWII, finishing up as a captain, he received his law degree from S.M.U. in 1947. He graduated as class valedictorian. He was also editor­in-chief of what is known today as the SOUTHWESTERN LAW JOURNAL. He then joined the law firm, Golden, Croley, and Howell in Dallas, leaving them in 1973 to practice law with his two sons (both Princeton graduates).

Bill served as an officer and director of First Natl. Bank of New Boston, Tex., which had been founded by his grandfather in 1900. He was also a founder/ director of Bowie County Savings & Loan. But his great love was the land he inherited and managed in partnership with his cousins. Together, they planted thousands of acres of pine plantations in east Texas and Alabama, where Bill loved to visit.

To his widow, Gloria; his sons William III '66 and Russell '69; and to his three grandchildren, the class offers its profound sympathies.