DEACON ALMOND JOHNSON JR

Deacon Almond Johnson Jr. was born February 28, 1937 in Gilmer, Texas to Almond Johnson Sr. and Maggie Johnson. He graduated from Valley View High School in Gilmer, Texas in 1955. He accepted Christ at an early age and began his Christian journey at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

" A Man needs to know when to make a move, then make it"

Shortly after Almond's 19th birthday (1956), his Sister (Sue) asked him to come visit her in Dallas Texas. So, he headed to Dallas with one outfit and coat in a large brown paper bag. The first night in Dallas, he went to church with Sue, and playing the piano was a beautiful musician. He asked Brother Canady who was that woman on the piano! He told her that’s Ella Ruth Reynolds! Later, they all went to get a milkshake at the diner (it was 1956), and the rest was history! Almond never went back home to Gilmer. He knew he needed to let her know he wanted her and after joining the choir, he made sure he was "winking" at her while he sang and she played the piano. They fell in love and were married on April 2, 1960. Almond always said, "a man needs to marry a woman smarter than him, and I did".

The Entrepreneur Life Begins: Businessman

Almond knew he had to get a job. He began work at a gas station pumping gas and doing other jobs in Dallas. During that time at the gas station, he met lots of people. Years later, one of the gas customers (an engineer from Denver) told him he wanted to start a carpet business and needed a “people person” to run the daily operations and employees. So the Johnson & Weintraub story began in the 60's with Rug Corporation of America; and later the business was sold to become a part of "Pier 1 Imports". Almond opened a carpet business in Dallas, operated by Ella Ruth, while later starting Johnson Hauling, and enjoying buying real estate in the 1970’s.

"All Because Two People Fell In Love"

Almond and Ella Ruth were married for 53 beautiful years before her heavenly journey began. They served faithfully in ministry at Greater Progressive Baptist Church from 1950 to 2003. He was an ordained Deacon, Chairman of the Deacon Board, Finance Committee, Imperial Choir member, Sunday School Superintendent, and CDL Driver for youth trips across the United States. In 2003, they relocated to Gilmer, Texas, and faithfully served Bethlehem Baptist Church and the community.

Those who received him in heaven: Beloved wife Ella Ruth, loving parents Almond & Maggie Johnson, siblings: Selena Mae Stallings, Arnelia (Neal) Gordon, Lethaniel (Bub) Johnson, Jerelene (Sue) Lee, Mae Etta Shepherd.

He leaves to cherish his memories: Brother Johnny Mack (Fickie) Johnson. Children: Bennie Newby, Fred Webb, Dr. Maggie Johnson Glover (Mark), and Milan Johnson (Dr. Yelando).Grandchildren: Dr. Kashaelyn Henderson (Tyrone), Tiffany Newby, Marquila Johnson (Keith), Tony Richard II (Precilla), LaShele Richard (Dewayne), Milan Johnson Jr., Clifford Newby Jr. (Nicole), Chance Johnson, Jereme Webb, Jade Johnson, Jarrett Webb, Jasmine Wilcoxson, and Jonathan Wilcoxson. Great Grandchildren: Jazmine Thompson, Malaysia Johnson, Maeghan Johnson, Lundyn Henderson, Tyler Henderson, Nicholas Newby, Mason Johnson, Alana Johnson, and Leon Newby. Great-Great grandchildren: Autumn Johnson. A bounty full of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.