NORTHPORT - Billy Joe Johnson, of Northport, Ala. passed away February 7, 2018 at his home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 12, 2018, in Sunset Memorial Park with Pastor Randy Fuller officiating and Sunset Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday, February 11, 2018, at the funeral home.

He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel H. Johnson. Surviving family members include his mother, Evelyn Maurine Johnson; brothers, Donnie Johnson, Dennis Johnson and Ronald Johnson; sister, Bonnie Johnson, all of Northport, Ala.; two daughters, Katie Ciazzo and Kristen Bacon, both of Charlotte, N.C.; and son, Billy Johnson of Perry, Ga.

Billy Joe was born July 11, 1951 at Arlington Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Early on in school Billy Joe excelled both academically and in baseball. But soon, he discovered he had a strong love for music. His desire to excel was so strong that he would do his homework at school so that he could devote most of his evenings to master his craft of playing guitar. His mom took him for guitar lessons, but just after a short time, the teacher realized that Billy Joe could play anything that she could and…better. He had a natural, God-given talent. Billy Joe would go on to play and sing music all over the state of Alabama and across the country. Billy Joe was known and considered to be one of the best guitar players in the state of Alabama.

Billy Joe was a people person with a big infectious personality who never met a stranger. His friends knew him as BJ. BJ was full of love for his family and friends. He was loved and admired by many and will be missed by all. Fly high and play it pretty in Heaven BJ!

Pallbearers will be Toby Beasley, Arnold Sanford, Aubrey Wayne Holloway, James Skelton, Jr. and Jeremiah Barr, all of Tuscaloosa, Ala. and Glenn Snipe of Charleston, S.C. Honorary pallbearers are DCH healthcare workers and staff, Home Health nurses, cancer center and UAB oncology.

The family would like to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to all healthcare employees and staff that helped care for Billy Joe during his battle with cancer. May God bless each and every one.

Published in Tuscaloosa News from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11, 2018