William F. Johnson, Jr., 78, of Haverhill, crossed life's finish line April 22, 2022.

An automobile enthusiast, Bill began his life with a flying start on May 7, 1943, the first and only child of William F. and Agnes E. Johnson.  He accelerated through his youth in Middleton, MA, and was a Boy Scout and crewmember at Richardson's Dairy Farm before pursuing drag racing.  He raced eliminations in Sanford, ME and New England Dragway, scoring many wins.

He graduated from Salem Trade School in 1961.  After graduation, Bill was employed as a machinist for a short time before gaining enough traction to start his own business, Johnson Machine Products.  Running on all cylinders, with grit and good business sense, he succeeded and made a living, until retiring in 2017.

Achieving the ultimate victory, he met his wife, Janet, and married her two years later.  They purchased a plot of land in Haverhill and, working closely with his father, he designed and built their home.  Their life together shifted into high gear, raising three children and doting on six grandchildren.

When he took time to decelerate, he attended car shows and auto races, built a 1923 T-bucket with his son, took the family camping and found ways to spoil his grandchildren.

He was a member of the Haverhill Hound Rod & Gun Club, where he volunteered and made life-long friends.  He held various positions there, including President and Member of the Board.

He was a man of few words and his dry sense of humor will be missed by his loving wife of over 47 years, Janet C. (Cashman), daughters, Christine M. Houde and her husband, James of Manchester, NH and Catherine A. Perachi and her husband, Scott of Burlington, MA and son and best friend, Daniel W. and his wife, Kathy Lord of Haverhill; grandchildren Adam, Vivienne and Calvin Houde, Colton and Kinsley Perachi and Ryan Lord.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bill's Life Celebration to be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, NH.  His funeral will begin on Friday at 9:00 AM from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 10 AM at All Saints Church, Haverhill, MA.  To send a message of condolence or to share a cherished memory with the family, please visit our website at www.brooksidechapelfh.com.