NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. -- Wilbur D. "Bill" Johnson, 86, of Holiday, Fla., formerly of Dartmouth, Mass., died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004, after a period of declining health. He was the widower of Beatrice (Robinson) Johnson.
Born in New Bedford, Mass., he was the son of the late Robert and Laura (Hall) Johnson and lived most of his life in the New Bedford area. He was a graduate of Dartmouth High School.
Mr. Johnson served in the Army during World War II. He was a flight officer with the 3508 Army Air Force Base Unit. He completed pilot school in Bainbridge, Md., and received his flight certification from the Civil Aeronautics Administration.
He was well known in the New Bedford area as the proprietor of Johnson Auto Parts, located in the former New Bedford Institution for Savings Bank building in the historic area of New Bedford. He later operated Old Court House Antiques with his wife in the same location.
He was a former member of Grace Episcopal Church and the 20-30 Club. He was a master mason and member of the King Phillip Masonic Lodge in Fall River. An enthusiast for historic preservation, he was active with the New Bedford Landing Group and Waterfront Area Historic League.
Survivors include three daughters, Elizabeth A. LeBeau of Oak Bluffs, Mass., Joyce J. Swartz of Edgartown, Mass., and Judith J. Gifford of Swansea, Mass.; a sister, Audrey J. Phoenix of Midlothian, Va.; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two nephews; and a niece.
His memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford. Burial will be private.