William Furlow Johnson

Lake Wales Businessman & Pioneer, William "Bill" Johnson, age 96, passed away on June 15th, 2024, at his residence. Bill moved to Lake Wales with his family at an early age. He held many jobs in town starting when he delivered newspapers at the age of ten. He later worked as a bellhop at the Walesbilt Hotel, worked for the first Publix in town and then as a projectionist at the local theater. Bill was an avid swimmer and diver and played football for the Highlanders. Bill enlisted in the Navy and served in Hawaii and aboard the USS Boxer. Upon return to Lake Wales Bill purchased a small radio shop in the arcade and soon married Henryetta Pritchett. Together they ran Precision TV, which later relocated to Central Ave, until he retired at the age of 77, after 54 years in business.

Bill served as President of the Lions Club for three terms, the Passion Play Amphitheater, and the Lake Wales High School Booster Club. He was a member of the Chamber, the Country Club, the VFW, American Legion, the Masons, and other business-related organizations. Among his honors Bill was Businessman of the Year 1992, the Lion's Club recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, Outstanding Member of the Ridge Electronics Association and Lake Wales Pioneer of the Year 2018.

Bill also coached Little League Baseball for many years and later sponsored a Precision T.V. team. He mentored young men interested in electronics and taught at Webber University on occasion. Bill was known in town for playing music over a sound system he erected on his building, for all of downtown to hear. He also displayed Christmas lights, shaping a large tree, that could be seen all around the lake, from the 50-foot antenna at his home. Bill enjoyed dancing, travelling, playing golf, having a beer with friends after work and driving his Mustang. His family and friends called upon him often as he was also known to be able to fix almost anything!

Bill is preceded in death by wife; Henryetta Pritchett Johnson: siblings; Margaret Palmer and James Johnson. He is survived by children; Linda (Mike) Bishop of Babson Park; Tempa (Derek) Lane of Auburndale & Bruce Johnson of Merritt Island: Grandchildren: Jolee (BJ) Beamer, Paul (Niki) Bishop, Chance Lane & Tera Lane and Great Granddaughters, Aly Beamer & Ani Beamer as well as nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the memorial service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home. In Lieu of Flowers please make donations to Christ’s Church on the Move, 312 Buckmore Rd, Lake Wales, 33853.