Roland H. Johnson Jr.

Johnson and Linnie Sanderson Johnson. He died at Buckner Villas on January 31, 2021 at age 92.

Daddy graduated from Ball HS and then Texas A&M, marrying our mother Elizabeth Smith in

the summer of 1949. Their life together was a wonderful journey for 70 years until her death.

Both our parents were educators.

Roland taught school first in Harper, Texas prior to being called into active duty and stationed in

Germany during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from the army in 1956 and

moved the family to Austin, Texas where he resumed teaching Civics at Austin High School.

During this time he obtained his Masters in Education Administration from UT. He became Dean

of Boys at Austin HS and later assistant principal at Reagan HS when it opened and progressed

to principal of Webb Junior High and then Webb 6th grade learning center. Daddy enjoyed his

career in the public schools- the teachers, students and staff. He was honored at his retirement

with having a street named after him at Webb. He was later inducted into the Austin High Hall of

Fame.

Roland wore many hats. He remained active in the army reserves until he retired at the rank of

Lt. Colonel. He was a long time Rotarian, attending monthly meetings until the last few years of

his life and was a past president of the North Austin club. He was a musician and played bass

with several dance orchestras and for family events. He was in the Aggie band and a lifetime

member of the Texas A&M Former Students. Dad loved First Baptist Church where he has been

a member for 65 years, served as deacon, participated in the choirs and taught Sunday School.

He participated in the church’s mission trips to Juarez where he taught the youth how to play the

recorder while Mom taught sewing. Dad and Mom loved travel and adventure. They went many

places with the Travelling Aggies and FBC Prime Timers. They saw much of the US with family

and friends. They loved to entertain friends and family at their “cabin” in Evergreen, Colorado.

Dad left a legacy of faith, music, honor, duty and joy to his family and many others. He always

wanted to give back to others for all the good things that had been given to him.

Survivors include his children Laura Guerrero (Jodie), Roland H, III (Becky), Ann Hurt (Bill), Ray

(Susan), Randy (Cathy) and niece Susan Lewis. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren (plus

spouses/ partners), 12 great grandchildren (more to come) and wonderful nieces and nephews

from the large Smith family.

The family wishes to thank Buckner Villas and all the staff that enriched our parents lives and

allowed them to age with dignity. The nurses and support staff at the Meadows and Campbell

unit at Buckner have been especially important this past year.

No ceremony has been planned at this time due to COVID restrictions. We ask that you

remember your favorite Roland story with us, sing and enjoy what he gave us. Memorial

donations can be made to First Baptist Church, Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Buckner

Children’s and Family Ministries, Buckner Foundation or the charity of your choice.