Mr. Billy C. "B.J." Johnson

June 30, 1953 - March 19, 2021

UTICA - Mr. Billy C. “B.J.” Johnson, age 67, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 19, 2021 in the comfort and dignity of his home. Born in Lewisville, Arkansas on June 30, 1953, Billy was the son of the late Johnnie Clifton Johnson and Jessie Mae (Johnson) Patterson. He also knew the love of his late step-father, Rayford Patterson. Raised and educated in Utica, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1971. Billy was blessed with a daughter, Cherie, who was born to B.J. and Annie Mae Brooks, a daughter of whom they both are very proud. Billy worked at Utica Radiator as a Machinist. He also held jobs at Kelsey Hayes and the Orion Bus Industries where he worked in the manufacturing of bus parts and assembly. He loved going to work because he loved anything automotive, and he was the ultimate mechanic! B.J. actually built a hot rod car that was admired by many ~ blue in color, meticulous in its assembly, from interior to exterior. It was perfection! He enjoyed it to his last days, …his 1940 Willys Coupe. Billy had many gifts in life: he had a ‘princess’ in his daughter, he had the patience of a master mechanic, an infatuation with machinery, and terrific taste in cars. He loved his dog, and Lobo was his name. He was this man’s best friend. Lobo loved to do tricks and he was a great guard dog. As he got used to the house, he became a little more docile. B.J. also collected cowboy boots in natural khaki tones, and he loved those boots! He was a motorcyclist and he loved his Harley Davidson, his riding jacket and his motorcycle group, a gang of good friends that rode together to the end. He loved the music of Rick James, The Ohio Players, Bob Marley, and The Delfonics. Most of all, he loved his grandbabies and great-grandbaby! He had a beautiful relationship with his girls and was supportive of them. Amaria was the songstress, and Mariah was the violinist. He never missed a celebration with them. He pampered them, and the girls will always remember his love and guidance. Billy was a support and an exclusive assistant cook to his late mother, Jessie Mae. He tried to duplicate her recipes. He came close to replicating them, but could not surpass her! Billy had a strong personality and he was an important person in the lives of his family members. He shared his heart, and although he had a quiet soul, he led by example. He was a brother, a family man, and the go-to person. And there was meaning and sentiment in the words that he said. Billy believed in God, and that grounded him. The blessing and memories of Billy’s life will remain in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him, because in his heart, his family came first and they were the reason for his existence. He was courageous about his heritage and was a strong advocate of his God-given rights ~ Amen. Billy is survived by his beloved daughter, Cherie Johnson-Foster and husband Joseph Foster; his grandbabies, Amaria, and Mariah; great grandbaby, Málani Wright; his brothers, Eric Patterson and wife Angela Morales-Patterson, and Thomas Ray Patterson; and his sister, Cheryl Victoria Patterson. He also leaves his nieces and nephews, Elijah Patterson, and Isaiah Patterson, Thomas Traglia; Tonya Michelle Graham; and the memory of his nephew, Corey Ricks; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; aunt and uncle, Annie Lee and James Richardson; and his friends with whom he shared a loyal bond, Robert “Smitty” Smith, Jessie “Ghost” Patterson, Frank “Schack” Shackleford, James Liggins, and Lee Liggins. When B.J. passed, he met up with Nathaniel “Stick” Sanchious, Floyd Patterson, and Charles Edward “Newt” Hammett Jr., who preceded him. He was predeceased by a host of aunts and uncles. The family is grateful to B.J.’s son-in-law, Joe Foster; Cherie’s brother, Demetris Brooks; and Pamela Dunkley. They knew B.J. and they kept a watch on him, a support that will never be forgotten. Those wishing to call upon the family to bid farewell of B.J. may pay their respects on Wednesday, March 31st from 3:00 to 4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. Face masks covering your nose and mouth are required and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. A Memorial Home Going Service will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with B.J.’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.