Ruben Johnson

 On September 17, 2017, Ruben Johnson fondly known by many as “Dallas,” passed away just three weeks before his 100th birthday. He was the first of five children born to Rushia and Willie Mae Johnson on October 7, 1917, in Gilmer, TexasOn July 31, 1943, Ruben married Birta Lee Reeves of Oakwood, Texas. They were blessed with five children: Helen Marie, Reuben Jr., Mary Catherine, David Earl and Carolyn Denise.Ruben served during WWII in the United States Army from 1942-1946. In 1950, Ruben relocated his family to San Diego, California, where he worked as a Preservation Packer for the Materials Department, Naval Supply Center, San Diego. On July 30, 1985, Ruben retired with 36 years of dedicated civil service. 

Ruben was a well-known neighbor and friend to many for decades. Although he was retired, Ruben remained active, enjoying his daily walk around the neighborhood where he would visit with his neighbors and friends.

While we mourn his passing, we know that Ruben is at peace in eternity with his beloved wife, Birta Lee; their daughter, Carolyn Denise; and grandson, Rodney. His parents, his brothers; Leroy, James, and Johnny; and his sister, Mary, all preceded him in death.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Helen Yeargin of Nashville, Tennessee, and Mary Dumas (George) of Fort Worth, Texas; sons, Reuben Johnson, Jr. of Las Vegas, Nevada, and David Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia; cherished family friend, Jim Todesco of Atlanta, Georgia; six grandchildren; Darryl, Robert, Elizabeth, Kristie, Brian and Dominic and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.