ENROLLED
2016 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 182
BY REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT JOHNSON
A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Rufus C.
Johnson, Jr.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the Louisiana House of
Representatives has learned of the death of Rufus C. Johnson, Jr., on Tuesday, May 17,
2016, at the age of eighty-one; and
WHEREAS, Rufus C. Johnson, Jr., was born on July 15, 1934, in Bunkie, to Rufus
and Gladys Johnson; and
WHEREAS, education was important to Mr. Johnson; in 1954, he received a
bachelor's degree from Grambling State University; he furthered his education at Southern
University, where he received a master's degree, and he received a master's plus thirty from
Louisiana State University; and
WHEREAS, his contributions to education in Avoyelles Parish are exemplary; in
1954, he began his career in education as a math teacher; and
WHEREAS, he proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1955
until 1957; and
WHEREAS, in 1971, Mr. Johnson became the principal of Marksville Middle
School, a position he held until his retirement in 2003; he also taught in St. Landry Parish
and was employed with the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff's Office; and
WHEREAS, he was a faithful member of St. John Community Church-Baptist,
where he served as director emeritus of the finance ministry, corresponding secretary of the
Circle of Brothers, a board member for Christian education, the general church secretary,
a registered church agent, superintendent of Sunday School, and a member of the board of
directors for T.A.S.T.E. of St. John, Inc.; and
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WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Roxanne Goree;
and his siblings, Roland and Dorothy; and
WHEREAS, left to cherish Mr. Johnson's memory are his beloved wife, Bobbie; his
children, Deborah Kay Brown, Lynette Juneau, Renetta Johnson, and Ritchie Craig Johnson;
his eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his brother, Robert A. Johnson; and
numerous other relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, with the death of Rufus C. Johnson, Jr., Louisiana has lost one of her
finest citizens, a true gentleman who left an indelible mark on the many individuals whose
lives he touched; and
WHEREAS, although the death of Rufus C. Johnson, Jr., has left a tremendous void
in his community, his memory shall live forever in the minds and hearts of all who knew and
loved him.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the
death of Rufus C. Johnson, Jr.; does hereby recognize and record for posterity his
outstanding accomplishments and singular contributions to education; and does hereby
extend enduring appreciation for the tremendous pride and honor that this wonderful man
will forever bring to his family and friends, his community, the state of Louisiana, and the
United States of America.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of Rufus C. Johnson, Jr.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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