William E. Johnson, 60, passed away August 2nd, 2013 at home surrounded by family. Bill was born on July 26th, 1953 in Lowville, NY to Harold and Shirley Johnson. One of nine children, raised on a farm in Deer River, Bill was taught that family and hard work were the keys to a fulfilling and happy life.

Following graduation from Carthage High School in 1971, Bill travelled to Mason City, Iowa to attend the Reisch Auction College to become an auctioneer, much like his father who owned and operated the Johnson Auction House in Carthage. Soon after, Bill found his niche in construction, later becoming a successful general contractor and meticulous craftsman with a love and respect for wood and the act of creation. A talented man with many trades he also operated a backhoe, excavating and plowing business before finally building and reconstructing bridges in Florida for the Johnson Bros. Company.

Bill enjoyed boating on the St. Lawrence River with his houseboat, and was most happy when surrounded by good friends, family and laughter. He also loved camping, proudly building his own camp on Tug Hill and later purchasing a camper, traveling down the East Coast and throughout New York State with his family.

He loved the sun, and in 2004 purchased a property in Cape Canaveral, Florida, spending as much time as he could there. Bill loved people, and wherever he went he made lasting friendships.

As a father, he taught the importance of hard work and loyalty to family. As a grandfather, he purposefully created meaningful experiences for his grandchildren. Camping and vacationing in Florida were his favorite times spent with them. Not one to be the center of attention, Bill loved to sit back and watch his grandchildren run, laugh and play, knowing that his hard work provided the experience.

Bill was proud to be a member of the Johnson family, many of whom are business owners in the Carthage area. He was a member of the BPOE Lodge #1762, Carthage.

He was a brave man, battling his cancer with grace and dignity to the end. He was a rare man without ego. He was pensive, thoughtful, and always choosing his words and actions carefully, never quick to judge, never quick to anger. Those who witnessed Bill's fight against cancer saw his true spirit. He never complained, always reminding us, "It is what it is."

Bill Johnson loved and was loved enormously. His life as a husband, a father, a son, a brother, friend and grandfather was full and meaningful. He will be missed very dearly, will never be forgotten and will always hold a special place in the hearts of those he loved and who loved him.

His family and friends surrounded and were drawn to him during his last days, a true testament to the love and camaraderie that embodied his life and principles.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Carol J. Hancock Johnson of Carthage, two daughters and their husbands: Abigail and Adam Staab of Carthage and Ann and Dominic Petroccione of Canton, a granddaughter, Collyn and six grandsons, Addison, Elijah, Nico, Broder, Sasha and Jude, three sisters: Joanne Smith of Melbourne, FL, Nancy Faleski of Houston, TX and Bonnie Pietras of Jacksonville, FL, five brothers: Michael of Monks Corners, SC and David, Gary, Robert and Ronald Johnson all of Carthage and several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, 19 nieces and 17 nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday at 10:30 AM at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home with the Rev. Jane E. Wagner officiating. Calling hours on Wednesday are from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. To leave condolences, go to www.bezanillafh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bill's memory to the Hope Lodge (1220 South Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14620). The Hope Lodge is a service that provides free or low-cost lodging to cancer patients and caregivers in a supportive environment when receiving treatment far from home. Carol & Bill were well cared for throughout his treatment; it was a great source of comfort.