William "W.G." Gene Johnson

Mr. William "W.G." Gene Johnson began his life in Franklin, TN on March 22, 1948 begin brought into this world through his parents, the late Mr. William E. Johnson and Mrs. Lillian Scales Johnson. He spent his adolescent years in Williamson County, TN attending school until his graduation from Franklin High School graduating with the class of 1966. Mr. Johnson would bravely join the United States Marine Corps in 1966, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War until he was permanently injured during his service sacrificing his welfare for a fellow service member, exiting the military in 1968. Following his military service, he would begin his life’s work assisting those less fortunate and developmentally disabled working many years for New Horizons Life Skills in Nashville, TN, a field in which he could channel his compassion for those less fortunate into a lifelong passion. Still, as much compassion and love he possessed for people he also possessed a great zeal for adventure. In his leisure time he could be found traveling to the beach, hiking and enjoying the wonderous beauties God has made, taking helicopter tours and even bungie jumping in his younger years. He was a Godly man, as he and his wife, whom he married on December 31, 1993, Mrs. Debbye Hickerson Johnson, were members of the Cornerstone Church in Madison, TN having spent many years of his life living in Hendersonville, TN until moving to Waynesboro, TN with his wife. However, he held no other moments in time closest to his heart than the precious moments he spent with his family and friends. Mr. William "W.G." Gene Johnson will always be remembered as a brave, compassionate, caring and adventurous man with an outgoing and magnetic personality and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Mr. William "W.G." Gene Johnson passed from this life on April 16, 2026 in Columbia, TN making his stay on this earth some 78 years and 25 days.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory include his wife of 32 years Mrs. Debbye Hickerson Johnson of Waynesboro, TN; son Jeremy Devers of Waynesboro, TN; sister Sandra Jordan Johnson (husband Bruce) of Hendersonville as well as many other family, friends and dear loved ones.

At this time there are no public services to be announced.

Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation, LLC is honored to serve the Johnson Family.