William Brock Johnson

There is a hole in our lives and an even greater hole in our hearts after the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, William Brock Johnson, early Tuesday morning, August 21, 2012. Brock was born in Kerrville, Texas, on April 28, 1949. He grew up in Prattsville, Arkansas, and graduated from Prattsville High School where he helped lead the Whippet basketball team. After high school, Brock attended the University of Arkansas, where he graduated with an Undergraduate and Master's degree in Engineering. He was a life-long supporter of the Razorbacks and actively served on the Board of the School of Engineering. After graduating, Brock moved to Little Rock, where he began work for his first and only employer, Garver Engineers. Shortly after, he met the love of his life for the last thirty years, Paula Sue. After he took her sailing, tipped the boat over, and she still was willing to go on another date there was little doubt in his mind she was his soul mate. They married on April 23, 1983 after a quick courtship. Together, they raised three beautiful daughters, Katie, Taylor, and Sloan. Brock and Paula were active members of the Methodist Church, and called many members of their Sunday school class, Serendipity, close friends. As the President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Garver LLC, Brock led the engineering company through transformational growth, doubling its size over five years in spite of the ongoing recession. Brock helped save Garver millions of dollars in health care costs by transforming the office culture to focus on healthy lifestyles. Much to Brock's delight, Garver is the first and only engineering company in Arkansas to earn the Bicycle Friendly designation. Brock also led the design and construction of Garver's new corporate headquarters in North Little Rock, which received the prized LEED Certification. Brock was recognized as one of the best engineers in the State throughout his career, and received numerous accolades. Brock was a hands-on, "live life to the fullest" type of man. He never missed an opportunity to be outside or to be active. Brock was an avid pilot, sailor, traveler, snow skier, cyclist, and was a fitness enthusiast long before healthy living was a trend. He was a skilled carpenter and was always "Mr. Fix It" for his girls. He enjoyed Friday date nights with his and Paula's dearest friends, Joe and Karen Carter and Dan and Ellen Williams. Brock's devotion was not limited to his company - his love for hard work and Garver was only surpassed by his love for his family. He cherished every moment with Paula and their daughters. He was quick to hop a flight to Dallas or make the short drive to Fayetteville to be with Taylor and Sloan whenever he was called upon - whether it was to help string lights for his son-in-law's 30th birthday party or visit Crystal Bridges. Brock will be missed by many and our memories of him will live on through his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his devoted wife, whom he could not have lived without, Paula Sue Johnson; daughters Katie McKnight and her husband Steven of Little Rock, Taylor Johnson of Fayetteville, and Sloan Johnson Milton and her husband Tyler of Dallas; and his three grandchildren Sam, Livy, and Greta McKnight. Brock was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his fourth grandchild and namesake, Brock Roy Milton this September. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:30 p.m., Friday, August 24, 2012, at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock, with a reception immediately following the service at the church. Arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501) 224-8300. Memorials may be made to Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas, 1212 E. 6th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.