William Johnson Obituary

William George Johnson FOLLY BEACH - William George Johnson, of Folly Beach, SC, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Will was born on September 24,1939 in Baltimore, MD, son of William Whalen Johnson and Evelyn Harris Johnson. Growing up in South Baltimore, Will's education began in 1946 at Holy Cross Grammar School. After moving to the Govans area in 1953, he was accepted at Baltimore City College High School. There, he discovered the sport of lacrosse and played not only in high school, but also as a varsity player at the University of Maryland. In later years, he coached lacrosse at Georgetown University, the University of Rochester, and The Citadel. After high school graduation in 1957, Will joined the US Army, where he served his country for two years as a Field Artillery Forward Observer. In 1959, he entered the University of Maryland at College Park, where his major was Psychology. While at Maryland, Will was a member of PSI Chi, president of Tau Kappa Epsilon, president of the Interfraternity Council, and president of the Kalegethos Society. As a graduate in 1963, he received the Outstanding Senior Award. Following graduation, Will enrolled at American University in Washington, DC, where he earned his MA in Psychology. He then enrolled at Catholic University in Washington, DC, where in 1970 he earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. While at Catholic University, Will was a member of Sigma Xi. The span of Dr. Johnson's professional career included a Postdoctoral Fellowship (SUNY Stoney Brook, 1970), Assistant Professor (University of Rochester, New York, 1970-1975), Associate Professor and Professor (University of Mississippi Medical Center, 1975-2003), Professor (The Citadel, 2003-2016) and Professor Emeritus (The Citadel, 2016 to the present). Dr. Johnson was a Fellow in the American Psychological Association, a member of the Society for Behavioral Medicine, a member of the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology, a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology, and a member of the American Board of Professional Psychology. He published many peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters on obesity and eating disorders. He also served as an expert witness in Federal, State, and County courts in both criminal and civil cases, and published numerous research articles on the assessment of competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility. He presented more than 100 papers at national and international conferences, gave numerous workshops, and presented invited addresses in the US and abroad. Will's teaching, research and clinical interests focused primarily on applying psychological principles to the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of health problems. He not only taught the principles of healthy living behaviors, but he also lived his life embracing them. He was a nationally-ranked triathlete for more than 20 years, and although he stopped competing, he did not stop swimming, cycling and running. He could be seen all over Folly Beach either riding his bike, swimming in the ocean, or running the beach. Will leaves many beloved family members and friends to cherish his memory. He is survived by his wife, Brooke Polk Johnson, daughters, Julie Pynn of Cedar City, UT, and Laura Johnson (Yerger Andre) of Oxford, MS; son, Gus Johnson of Centennial, CO; stepson, Donald Woods of Oxford, MS; grandchildren, Abbey Pynn of Brooklyn, NY; August Andre of Oxford, MS, and Elsie Andre of Oxford, MS; sister, Lois Batzer of Bel Air, MD; brother, Tom Johnson (Marshelle) of Ocean City, MD; and several dear cousins, nieces, and nephews. A celebration of Will's life will be held on Folly Beach at a later date. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston