OBITUARY On Friday, August 9, 2013 the Hudson community lost one of its life- long residents and social activists Mr. Willie Walter Johnson who was affectionately known as “Quonk” or “Walt”. He was born to Lee and Maldothia Johnson on January 12, 1933 in the small historic southern community of Tuskegee, Alabama. Even as a young boy, Walt always exhibited a keen intellect, a quick wit and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. He received his formal education in The Tuskegee Public School System. Walt became an avid reader and sports enthusiast who would actively engage anyone he met in lively and mutually enriching conversations about everything from History and Politics to the Arts and Sports around the globe. As a result of his “Spirit Of Adventure”, Walt decided to strike out on his own at the young age of seventeen. Although his journey led him to Catskill, New York, it was Hudson, New York that would become his “Beloved Home” for over sixty years. Walt met and married Billie Ann Garland. As a result of their union, he eagerly embraced fatherhood by becoming stepfather to her seven children. He worked for The St. Lawrence Cement Plant in Catskill, New York and retired after twenty three years of service. For over twenty years, Walt worked tirelessly to support the revitalization of the Hudson community. He was the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of his Outstanding Service. He was a member of The Board of Directors of The Columbia Opportunities Program and The Urban Renewal. He was also actively involved in The Head Start Program, The NAACP, as well as other political and civic organizations. . Walt was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Billie Ann, two of his stepchildren, Tia Dandridge and Albert Dandridge III, his brothers, Lee Andrew Johnson Jr. and Eddie Arthur Johnson and his sister Delmyra Robertson. He leaves to cherish his memory five step- children: Sheila Chapman, Charles Bouldin, Leta Bailey, Robert Dandridge and Claudette Bouldin; his sisters, Amy Still, Sara Thomas and Lauvia Sherman. He was also the proud grandfather of seventeen grandchildren which include Shanisha Thomas, who provided some Daily Living Support in recent years and great-grandfather of twenty seven great grandchildren. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nephews, great nephews, nieces , great nieces and cousins; one son-in-law, Councilman Ronald Bailey of Albany, New York as well as one daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Bouldin. He will be greatly missed by his numerous cherished and life-long friends as well as members of the Hudson community, especially the staff and his neighbors at The Providence Hall Apartments. A Memorial Service celebrating the “Life of Mr. Willie Walter Johnson” will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at noon at the following location: Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home 110 Green Street Hudson, New York 12534 In keeping with Mr. Johnson’s life-long commitment to Civil Rights, the family respectfully requests that no flowers be sent. The family will make a monetary donation (in his name) to The NAACP, one of the primary sponsors of The National Commemoration of The 50th Anniversary Of The March On Washington which will take place on Saturday, August 24, 2013 in Washington, DC. Donations may be made on-line at www.naacp.org or by mail at NAACP, Development Department, 4805 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21215