William “Shoes” Johnson
Age 75, passed away January 22, 2021. He was born April 7, 1945, in Battle Creek, to Peter and Alexandria Johnson. After high school, Bill drove a delivery truck for Hostess and Wonderbread before going into business as a “professional sports enthusiast.” He was a very generous man. He enjoyed traveling, shopping, gambling, drinking and socializing with his friends, but nothing was more important than his family.
He is survived by: his wife of 40 years, Robin “Pookie;” children, William Jr., Robert, Brian (Belinda), Kandy, Brandy, Tasha (Bob), Mandy, and Meredith; 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, all who lovingly called him, “Dado;” his brothers, Sam (Sue), Jim, and Tom (Pat); and sister-in-law, Fran. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John; daughter, Kimberly Jo; grandson, Tyler; and his best friend, Elvis Presley.
The funeral service will be private. His family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
34 Messages to “William “Shoes” Johnson”
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Armando Sepulveda
January 22, 2021 at 6:34 pmHe was a great man always made me feel welcome and part of his family. He was a lightning bolt of a man and one of a kind character. I am going to miss my cousin very much God-bless you and your family.
Zachary Trost
January 22, 2021 at 9:11 pmBill was “The King” he will be missed, prayers go out to Robin and the family.
Eddie bush
January 22, 2021 at 9:30 pmWell Mr . J is what I call me he always treated like concern father I spent several years with him and his family 31 to be exact my name is Eddie bush I’m going to miss all the insults I’m going to miss all the jokes what a wonderful man he was now he’s doing somewhere where he can make other people smile with this jokes God bless his family and you’re in my prayers I love you all Eddie bush
JOSEPH BUSH
January 22, 2021 at 10:11 pmMr j was a good guy I’ve known him for many years but haven’t seen him in a while but I never forgot about how nice he was and how good of a person he was rest now you’re in great hands with the other great one in my life the Lord you will never be forgotten. From Joseph Bush ps we have the same birthday so ill keep you in my thoughts on that day Mr j
Monique Mataya
January 23, 2021 at 8:23 amI was sad to hear that he passed. I absolutely loved Shoes! What a character he was. Him and Dude where something else. So many funny stories they told. Every time I drive by Corey’s, I think of Shoes….he will be missed by so many! Condolences to the family. Rest easy Shoes…….
Nan & Tom
January 23, 2021 at 10:09 amShoes will truly be missed, we had a lot of good times together, and loved his Elvis room at Corey’s! Our thoughts are with you, Robin, and your family.
Alexzaedrien "Zae" Price
January 23, 2021 at 11:23 amDado will truely be missed. He welcomed me into the family with open arms, tons of jokes and always kept you laughing. He was a man that could light up any room and would definatly always say whats on his mind.your grandkids love you dearly and will always remember you, we have lots to reminisce about and we will always keep your spirit alive. We love you.!
Lisa Hancock
January 23, 2021 at 3:23 pmRobin and family,
Wishing you peace, comfort and joy filled hearts as you reflect on the beautiful memories you shared together.
And indeed, Shoes shared an action packed life with all he knew, full of laughter and love.
We will alway have the Elvis Room, in his honor.
Godspeed
Bill Corey and Lisa Hancock
kevin klein
January 23, 2021 at 8:50 pmRobin and all of family; we go back so far; to mid 70’s; Bill “Shoes” was a man with a big personality; large smile; and a very huge Heart; my most heartfelt condolences as he will be missed by many, many people; love- ~kevin klein~
kevin klein
January 24, 2021 at 4:19 am& again some afterthoughts; forgot first memory: there was always bill’s liking & following of sports; & we went out east to fenway; lady liberty; & he drove thru times square like he designed the place; his love of elvis was such that Tasha & Meredith separately told me they thought as toddlers their dad was him … & my favorite catchphrase from shoes as he can now: “ RELAX COUSIN ! “ love- ~kevin~
Anthony Rahar
January 24, 2021 at 9:55 amRIP…from childhood until his passing Bill has always been consistent in his respect
and love for family and friends. His smile, humor and generosity will be missed. From
your friend Tony and godson AJ you will be missed. RIP my brother.
Neil Norton
May 13, 2023 at 1:35 amMy condolences.
Carl Atchley
January 24, 2021 at 1:42 pmA fun and very funny man with his candid quips!! RIP Shoes!
Ronnie Jeannero
January 24, 2021 at 1:42 pmShoes was an icon, a man that lifted the world up with his humor, generosity, and love of life. Having known him for over 40 years, I’m well familiar with his shenanigans, and there were many. He always had a welcome hug awaiting and a joke waiting to be told. He had a spirit that glowed, an angel with a crooked halo, but an angel nonetheless. He will leave behind an emptiness in many, but we’ will always be able to hear the echo of his laugh in our souls.
Colleen Mackie
January 24, 2021 at 2:55 pmUncle Bill, when I think of you I remember how kind , caring giving man.you knew what it meant to be a dedicated and compassionate human to all people. your love to family and friends . You could mske people smile and laugh always, even if they meant you for the first time . You’d give the shoes off your feet .and you were well respected by many .You will truest be missed by us all .you were so blessed to have a big loving family that adore you.youll forever be in our hearts l.love you uncle Bill xoxo. Our condolences to the family.and my they hold all the memories an happy times you all spent together . To heal their hearts and make peace .we live you dearly and you’ll forever be missed. Love always, Jack& Colleen Mackie
Rick Lefevre
January 24, 2021 at 4:12 pmBilly Shoes
We Rolled and laughed a ton
Shoes had the it factor. Roll on my Friend
Joann bell
January 24, 2021 at 6:23 pmRobin. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We always had a good time when we got together. Great memories love you
Doyle Heaman
January 24, 2021 at 7:30 pm“Tom Bodette”, met you thru my wife Pam, your cousin, and how lucky I was for that, did not get to hang out as much as I would have liked, but in the short time, had many laughs and good times, with you and Robin.” I will keep the light on”…………….
Linda Taszreak
January 25, 2021 at 8:32 amRobin, I was shocked and very sadden to hear of Bill’s passing. It has been awhile since I’ve seen Shoes, and fittingly it was in The Elvis Room at Corey’s, but there was a time I saw both of you almost daily, or should I say nightly. Always a great time with much laughter and so many stories. I know there are a couple other Girls from “Bridge Club” who feel the same.
May God bless you and your family. RIP Shoes.
J.R. and Nancy ording
January 25, 2021 at 12:14 pmSo sorry for your loss of Shoes . Our prayers and thoughts are with you Robin and all your family. Love J.R. and Nancy
John Mataya
January 25, 2021 at 1:37 pmYesterday Morning I woke up to devastating news. My longtime friend of 50 years had passed. I can’t believe this has happened. Everytime I come back to Lansing, I would get together with “Shoes” at Corey’s bar, we would drink, laugh and tell stories. It would be a wonderful time. To Robin and family Shoes will be greatly missed by many. Shoes was one of a kind. Now he is with his idle Elvis Presley RIP my friend.
John “Dude” Mataya
Your buddy
January 25, 2021 at 1:44 pm“Who loves you baby!”
Sarah Selleck
January 25, 2021 at 2:25 pmI would like to send my prayers to Robin and the family…. Bill was an amazing person he was like a father to me growing up. He loved his kids and family.. He always gave his heart to everyone. Bill you will be missed by so many people especially your family. I LOVE YOU GUYS.
Love Sarah
margaret r french
January 25, 2021 at 5:05 pmPrayers for Robin and the family, Bill was an awesome man, always so friendly, him and Robin took in my little girl and treated her as their own. You will be missed by all.
Jimmie Mataya
January 25, 2021 at 7:23 pmNever a dull moment when you were with Shoes, he would keep you laughing, I had so much fun with him. If you didnt know him, but heard him, you would find yourself asking Somebody, “Who was that guy!” He was definitely one of a kind! R.I.P. My friend, until we meet again.
HOWARD PAQUIN
January 25, 2021 at 9:19 pmWe lost a good man. “Shoes was unique and whenever I think of him, I just smile.
The world needs more like him.
Patty Moore
January 26, 2021 at 5:01 pmJune and I are so sorry for your loss. We met Mr. Johnson through his son Brian and Belinda, (neighbors) Our hearts act for you all. Peace, love and hugs, Patty and June
Ronnie (aka Rooster) Davis
January 26, 2021 at 7:59 pmI met shoes through my brother Jimmy and would meet them at Corey’s or Preston’s or the Irish Pub and my first words were to him ” buy me a beer” and he said cousin you got it. We knew many of the pool shooters in Lansing in the 60s and 70s . Going to miss his laugh and jokes for sure. R.I.P. Shoes. …..Rooster
Marilyn Wilson-LaBare
January 27, 2021 at 1:49 pmKeith and I shared a few fond memories with you, Robin and Bill. Many more with some of the wonderful Johnson family. He certainly was a unique and kind man and treated us with great warmth and always enjoyed his wonderful humor. So very sorry for your loss Robin.
Lisa Stafford
January 27, 2021 at 3:49 pmShoes, who love’s you baby! Gimme some sugar! I was saddened to hear of the loss, of a great guy that I knew of, only by the name of Shoes. As I fondly remember Shoes, he was truly one of a kind. A funny, generous Man. As Frankie D’s Secretary, I always enjoyed the Chocolate Covered Pretzels, he dropped off to me at the Shop, for Christmas every year. Always made me feel special. Your jokes made me laugh. Always a smile on your face, whenever I saw you. Rest In Peace Shoes, you will be sorely missed. See you later my friend! May God Bless you always.
My prayers go out to your family and friend’s, Shoes.
Lisa Stafford
January 27, 2021 at 3:58 pmShoes, who love’s you baby! Gimme some sugar! I was saddened to hear of the loss, of a great guy that I knew of, only by the name of Shoes. As I fondly remember Shoes, he was truly one of a kind. A funny, generous Man. As Frankie D’s Secretary, I always enjoyed the Chocolate Covered Pretzels, he dropped off to me at the Shop for Christmas every year. Always made me feel special. Your jokes made me laugh. Always a smile on your face, whenever I saw you. Rest In Peace Shoes, you will be sorely missed. See you later my friend! May God Bless you always.
My prayers go out to your family and friend’s, Shoes.
Sandy/Megan
January 27, 2021 at 4:11 pmSo sorry for your loss Robin. It won’t be easy but his memory will live on and on through you and your family. Oooh Shoes!! There aren’t enough words to say all that could be said. Whether it was our many Vegas / Atlantic City trips, drinking at the bars, betting on “anything” or just hanging at the pool /house bar deep into the night, there was always plenty of love, laughter, friends and family around. To say you will be missed seems so insignificant for such a giant of a man. We loved you so so much I’m sure you and Clarence are swapping stories again now and that makes me happy.
Denae Johnson
January 27, 2021 at 6:14 pmI am deeply sorry for your loss. Billy had a personality larger than life. It was a blessing to have known him in this lifetime. I met Billy and Robin while working at Fairway. I send prayers and love to Robin and family. He will be deeply missed.
DJ
February 17, 2021 at 8:24 pm‘Shoes’, you’ll always have an indelible part of my younger years, fresh out of college, and working with Peter. Most everyone has posted my sentiments about you already. You and PK were the best. Much love to you Robin and family.
DJ