Julius Odell Johnson, Sr.

Julius Odell Johnson, Sr., 78, of Fort Worth, Texas, was born to Price and Sedalia Carey Johnson on May 12, 1942, and became a Christian at a young age at First St. John Baptist Church. He departed this life on Monday, November 9, 2020, after a short illness.

Upon graduating from Kirkpatrick High School in 1960, Julius enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 18, serving four years. He then enlisted in the United States Army Reserve where he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC). In 1990, Julius served in Operation Desert Storm, the First Gulf War. Prior to his deployment, he was responsible for water purification, eliminating toxins and other hazards to health and the environment. He retired after 29 years of service.

He was a 33rd degree Mason, having served as a faithful Mason for over 43 years. He held the office of Worshipful Master as a member of Rainbow Lodge #445. He was also a Shriner and member of the United Grand Supreme Council of Fort Worth.

Julius’ main focus was keeping in touch with the people he loved. He could never remember passwords or how to use social networks, but he could sure remember who he needed to call each day. Julius was a people person. He was witty, affable, funny, and always smiling. He never met a stranger and would talk to whoever sat down next to him—and even strangers would develop a quick affinity toward him. Julius was well-loved everywhere he frequented. His traditions included calling friends at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings, dropping by unannounced, attending Brotherhood Breakfast and church with friends, and taking his wife on trips and out to dinner. His hobbies included traveling, watching westerns and 60s and 70s re-runs, and indulging his sweet tooth and obsession with fried chicken. His favorite pastime was watching and talking about football and his beloved team, the Los Angeles Rams. If you wanted to treat him to lunch or dinner, he loved anywhere with seafood or steak. He also especially loved seeing his full name printed on things: JULIUS ODELL JOHNSON, SR.

To cherish his memory he leaves his wife Adrienne Johnson; three daughters Cynthia Denton, Janis Simmons and Dolores Crawford; two sons Julius O. Johnson Jr. (Renee) and Rodney Johnson (Tamara); bonus daughters Tiwoni, Rashida, Aminah, Ruqayyah, Sadiyyah and Khalilah; bonus sons Kwame, Saadiq and Ramadan; five nieces (Carla, Marla, Darla, Sophia and Rovetta); two nephews (Marcus and Sammie), along with 34 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister Barbara Jean Davis, brother Sammie Lee Johnson, Sr., and grandson Donald.