St. George, Utah - Johnnie Vance "Bish" Johnson, 77, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 26, 2017 in his St. George home surrounded by loving family.

Johnnie was born June 6, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Mefford Dale and Violet Marvella Johnson. At an early age, Johnnie and his family moved to Vernal, Utah.

Johnnie spent many of his childhood days hunting and fishing in the trout streams in the Uintah Mountains. He graduated from Uintah High School and joined the United States Army.  He married his beautiful bride, Judy, on June 19, 1970 in St. George, Utah.

Johnnie's life was filled with many opportunities to touch the hearts of those around him. No matter the job, Johnnie always gave 110%.  His influence was felt throughout the community and numerous jobs, including but not limited to: gas station attendant, mechanic, jewelry store owner, and the job that brought him the most pride, Maintenance Supervisor at the St. George Airport. After his retirement, Johnnie spent night and day in his wood shop building many pieces of furniture for any who wanted. Johnnie loved his country and showed it through his many years of service to the Boy Scouts of America, the Mormon Battalion, and the American Legion.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, Mefford Dale and Violet Marvella Johnson; his brother, Lynn Dale Johnson; his grandson, John Bryan Hansen; and great-granddaughters:  Makayla Aberielle Golding and Arianna Belle Gil. Johnnie is survived by his Beautiful Bride, Judy Johnson, of St. George Utah; his children: Brenda (Russel) Fuller of Goshen Utah, Bonnie (Joe) Hansen of Raymond Alberta Canada, Jeri (Kelly) Young of Roosevelt Utah, Barbara (Tom) Bunker of St. George Utah, Bruce Anderson of Vernal Utah, Stanley (Crystal) Price of Layton Utah, Jana (Daff) Clyde of Tabiona Utah, and Shauna Jo (Tom) Larkin of Washington Utah; 41 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren, and many beloved friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 10:00 am at the St. George LDS 1st Ward Chapel, 591 West 500 North, St. George, Utah.  A visitation will be held Friday, September 1, 2017 at the Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd, St. George, Utah from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Saturday prior to services from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to their LDS Ward Family, Vanessa, Ashley, Cody, and Troy from Hospice for remarkable care and friendship.