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1911 - 2007
 Lt Col. Rufus W. Johnson at the age of 96 went to live in his heavenly home on Sunday, July 01, 2007 in his home in Kerrville, Texas. He was born on May 1, 1911 in Silver Springs, Maryland to Charles and Margaret Johnson Sr. Rufus will be remembered as the White House butler who spilled soup on President Franklin D. Roosevelt's lap or the accomplished lawyer who won Native Americans the right to use peyote during their religious ceremonies. He served in the U.S. Army and retired in 1971 after receiving 3 bronze stars, the Regimental Citation for bravery and a European Theater Ribbon with three battle stars and a purple heart. He was the second black person in U.S. history to become a commissioned officer in the Army Judge Advocate General Corps. Rufus in 1934 earned a bachelor's degree from Howard University. He then received a juris doctorate degree in 1939. He continued to learn and take classes into his 90s. Rufus earned a real estate broker's license, a certification in tax preparation and black belts in two styles of karate. He moved to Mason, Texas and opened a law office where Vaunda went to work for him in 1963. Rufus married Vaunda Griffith in 1971. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Vaunda in 2005.
Rufus is survived by his daughter Yvonne Smith of Kerrville, Texas and many other family members and friends who love him will miss him.
Celebration of Life will be held 4pm, Thursday, July 5, 2007 at Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas with full military honors. A wake will be held at 1202 Barbara Ann Kerrville, Texas from 12 noon till 4 pm, come and live the memories of Rufus Johnson. Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. |
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There are currently 5 condolences.
Mr. Bob Stokes 33*
Saturday July 14, 2007 at
6:28 PM
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To
The Family Of My Lodge Brother
Remembering the 1960's
Charles Westley,
Arthur E. Brooks.
Respectfully,
Bob Stokes 33*
THE MOTHER LODGE, LONDON, UK
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Jacqueline L. Morales
jlmorales@verizon.net
Wednesday July 11, 2007 at
1:17 PM
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The family has my deepest sympathy. I had lost touch with Vaunda and did not know that she had passed as well. May God continue to bless and keep you.
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Charles Hanners
cwahanners@aol.com
Tuesday July 10, 2007 at
3:43 PM
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I am truly sorry about his death but I am glad that others will know of his life and struggles. My students will surely know abo;ut him when school resu;;mes in Sept.
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Dennis Fails
Thursday July 5, 2007 at
2:56 PM
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As the physical therapist at the Kerrville V.A., I must say that Mr.Johnson has been one of my favorite patients. My sister-in-law just graduated law school from Loyola University in New Orleans in May. Mr. Johnson gave me some good advice to pass along to her. Truely an amazing man. A hero. God Bless.
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Ivy Bailey
Thursday July 5, 2007 at
12:37 PM
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Knowing Rufus has been a pleasure. He was a wonderful poet and a very intelligent person and I loved to listen to his stories. I will always remember him and Vaunda. Vaunda was a special person too, Gentle , Kind and loving.Their families are in my prayers.
Ivy Bailey
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