80, of Macomb
William Garry Johnson, 80, of Macomb, passed away at 6:36 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
He was born on August 22, 1946 in Shelburne, Ontario, Canada to William Harry and Lorraine (Handley) Johnson. He married Gayle Stroud in Falls Church, Virginia in 1971. They divorced in 1987. He married Marilyn Kay (Dohner) Taylor on June 25, 1989 in Macomb. She preceded him in death on October 7, 2017. He married Margie Twaddle on November 22, 2019. She survives.
Garry is also survived by two sons: Christopher William Johnson (and wife Jennifer Albert) of Los Angeles, California and Colin Robert Johnson (and husband Christopher De Young) of Bloomington, IN; bonus daughter, Jessica Butcher (husband Chris Butcher)of Macomb; two brothers: John Edward Johnson (and wife Eleanor) and Douglas Harry Johnson of Toronto, Canada; mother-in-law, Marcia Twaddle; sisters-in-law, Melanie (Mike) Falk and Michele Twaddle all of Macomb; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by two brothers, Brian Johnson (in infancy) and Warren Albert Johnson.
Garry graduated from Central Peel High School in Brampton, Ontario, Canada; attained a Bachelor of Arts degree at Southern Colorado State College, Pueblo, Colorado; and, achieved a Master of Science in Education and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri. His 41 years of professional experience in higher education included administrative positions at Southern Colorado State College, Pueblo, Colorado (1969-1970) as Assistant Residence Hall Director; at University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri (1970-1980) as a Residence Hall Director 19701972 and as Assistant Director of Housing 1972-1980; and at Western Illinois University (1980-2011), Macomb, Illinois as Director of Residence Life 1980-1983, Assistant Vice President for Student Services - Student Life 1983-1996, Associate Vice President for Student Services 1996-1997, Interim Vice President for Student Services 1997-1998 and 1998-2011 as Vice President for Student Services.
He has held regional, national and international offices in several professional associations including the Upper Midwest Region of Association of College and University Housing Officers; the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (President 1992-1993); the American College Personnel Association; and, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. He was involved in community activities as a member of the Macomb Rotary Club (President 2005-2006; Paul Harris Fellow), Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He served as a member of the Salvation Army Board of Directors, Performing Arts Society Board, McDonough County United Way (2003 Campaign Co-Chair), and Co-Chair of Macomb Heritage Days Tour of Homes. He served for more than two decades as a member of the Vermont State Bank Board of Directors.
Garry was inducted into the Western Illinois University Athletic Club Hall of Fame in 2025. In 2014, he was named an Honorary Alumnus. Other honors and awards include the Association of College and University Housing Officers- International Parthenon Award, 2009; the American College Personnel Association Diamond Honoree Award, 2008; the Upper Midwest Region-Association of College and University Housing Officers William B. Sweet Distinguished Service Award, 1996; and the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers Distinguished Service Award, 1993.
In addition to his many administrative roles, he served as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Counselor Education and College Student Personnel. Garry taught graduate classes on a regular basis, and also served as an academic advisor and an intern/practicum site supervisor. He published articles and gave numerous professional presentations.
Garry was much more than a lifetime of incredible accomplishments. His passion for his profession and the students he served had a profound impact on countless people through theyears. He was Western Illinois University’s biggest cheerleader. You would never catch him traveling without sporting his Purple and Gold. He was a Giant in the profession of student housing. He instilled the importance of community and the participation in one’s community to everyone that worked in his area. As supervisor and a friend, he was fiercely loyal. If he had your back you didn’t have to turn around and check---you knew he was there for you. There were numerous accomplishments achieved under his leadership roles.
He left things better than he found them. He was a largerthan- life personality and did things his way. His loss leaves the university, community and world an emptier place.
The family will meet with friends on Friday, November 6, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Hanson Field, Western Illinois University, Macomb. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am. at Hanson Field with Pastor Cody Stinnett officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Macomb. We ask that attendees wear WIU gear or purple. If the weather is inclement, visitation and memorial services will be held in the Grand Ball Room at the University Union.
If you are not able to visit with the family from 10 to 11 a.m., all are invited to a Celebration of Garry’s Life at the Macomb Country Club from 12 to 3 p.m. on Friday immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Western Illinois University Foundation – W. Garry & Margie Johnson Scholarship Fund for Agriculture or Western Illinois University area of donor choice.
Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements. You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.
