William Richard (Buddy) Johnson Jr.

William R. (Buddy) Johnson Jr., 65, began fishing in Heaven’s waters on Friday, July 19, 2024, after courageously battling pancreatic cancer. A fine Southern gentleman, proudly born on December 25, 1958, in Heron Bay, Alabama, William fell in love with Kathy, a Yankee from New Jersey, on the streets of New Orleans in 2016 and they made a life together in Lafitte, Louisiana, making memories and loving each other with all their hearts. William believed in the value of family and hard work. He was a man who loved his job, loved his family, and loved helping people. Buddy mastered a number of jobs over the years but worked his final days at the FMT Shipyard in Harvey, LA as the Superintendent of New Construction. When he wasn’t working, you could find him building or fixing just about anything for anyone who asked. Whether it was a friend in need, a grandbaby with a broken toy, or one of his kids with a “Dad” request, Buddy was there with a wealth of knowledge and a smile on his face ready to help. If you happened to catch him without a fishing pole or power tool in hand, he was likely spending time with his family. There were few things Buddy loved more than spending quality time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed sharing all of life's experiences with his family - from working in the yard to teaching them how to fish - his family always came first. William was predeceased by his parents, William Richard Johnson, Sr. and Betty Ann Johnson, and his dear sister, Kimberly C. Johnson. His legacy is kept alive in the hearts and memories of his sisters, Vickie Smilie, Gina O'Bannon, Josie Bateman, his wife, Kathy (Ward) Johnson, his children, April Johnson, Heather Johnson, Mallory Johnson, Michele Lopresti, and Brian Lopresti, and his grandchildren, Austin Carlile, Madysin Carlile, Eli Carlile, Kennedy Coleman, William Coleman, Brody Bruce, and Lane Bruce. William will be deeply missed by his large extended family, including his aunts & uncles, his numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and his legion of friends from all walks of life. Buddy loved being out on the water - fishing, shrimping, crabbing, or even just sitting on a dock with a waterfront view. He enjoyed his motorcycle rides, good dive bars, and cutting up on the dance floor. He was always one to share what was on his mind, loved to spark a reaction of any kind, never let the truth get in the way of a good story, and was always unapologetically himself. Buddy was one of a kind and gone far too soon, but never, ever will he be forgotten. Relatives and friends are invited to attend services held at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Coden, AL. Funeral mass will be held at 12 o'clock noon and a visitation will be held from 10:00 am until service time. Interment will follow in Dorlon Cemetery. A celebration of life with a Second Line for Buddy is planned for later this year in New Orleans. Details to be provided once finalized.

Tributes

William Richard (Buddy) Johnson Jr.

December 25, 1958 - July 19, 2024