Billy Wayne Johnson

Billy "Billy Dog" Wayne Johnson, age 74, of Muskegon, MI, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Trinity Health of Muskegon, MI.

He was born on August 12, 1951, in Magnolia, Arkansas, to LaSalle and Ruby (Wyrick) Johnson. Billy was an only child and his mother's pride. As a young man, he moved with his family to Muskegon for work opportunities and grew up in the Sims' household, where he lived with his grandmother, aunt, uncle, and cousins. He was a proud graduate of Muskegon High School and later attended Muskegon Community College. He worked in manufacturing, employed at General Electric, Piston Ring, and Northern Fiber as a forklift operator until his retirement. Billy was a member of Spring Street Baptist Church and accepted Christ under the leadership of Pastor Dwayne Banks.

Known affectionately as "Billy Dog," he was a man with a zest for life and a distinct sense of style. He loved cars-not for what was under the hood, but for their beauty and shine-and he took immense pride in keeping his vehicles spotless by handwashing. A signature trademark was the toothpick he perpetually had in his mouth, a quirky habit that family and friends will fondly remember. He could eat and drink with a toothpick in his mouth. He only took the toothpick out to sleep, and upon rising, it was back in place. It was always visible, and he kept a box around him. Billy was a sharp dresser, always wearing Stacy Adams dress boots, "high top old man comforts," when dressed to impress. Let's not forget his love for hats, including straw hats, and sunglasses. Billy Dog was funny, with a positive spirit and a welcoming heart. He was known for his unique sayings, such as declaring that something was "straight up and down, like six o'clock" and "you can trust that," meaning it was the absolute truth. Billy Dog knew no strangers and gave everyone a family title; whether you were blood or not, you were family to him. He loved his children and was very proud of them, and he expressed it openly. He would always tell his children he loved them, and over the past week, he disclosed that he would miss them.

Above all, Billy was a proud father. He leaves behind a legacy to be cherished among his five children: his only daughter, Shontaye Witcher, and his sons, Billy Droughn, Grand Rapids, MI; Nacorby Culver; Laquan (Mandy) Droughn, Grand Rapids, MI; and Jetuan (Lashonda) Hill, Chester, VA. He was a beloved grandfather to Aleigha Droughn, LaQuan Droughn Jr., Shanyia Droughn, Jaeden Droughn, Harmony Hill, Jameer Hill, Maritza Diaz, and Jaylin Diaz; and a proud great-grandfather to Leilani and Melani Droughn. Special daughters, Kimberly Thornton, Cheetra Piggee, Tanjanika Droughn, and Talonda Sullivan. Special nephews, Anthony Jones, Andre Anthony, Keenan Sims, and Roderick Anthony IV. Special niece, Stacy Forrest, and Sherita Cox. He is also survived by a host of family and friends who will miss his laughter and vibrant personality. He was preceded in death by his parents, LaSalle and Ruby Johnson; grandson, Jordan Droughn; aunts, uncles, cousins, and some of his friends who were his brothers.

A memorial service to celebrate Billy's life will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 12:00 Noon at Clock Funeral Home in Muskegon. The family will receive friends for one hour before the service at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Dwayne Banks of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, MI, will officiate. A repast will immediately follow in the Clock Family Center.