February 1941 – December 2020
Arnold George Johnson passed away at home the morning of December 15, 2020 at the age of 79. He was the only child of Esther and Arnold Johnson. George met his wife, Judy Rebik, at Turlock High School and they married July 29, 1962. Next July 29, 2021 would have been their 60th anniversary. He was a loving and faithful husband who always supported his wife with home, church and work activities. George loved his family, made time available to participate in their activities and was proud of their accomplishments.
RV trips to the Oregon/California Coasts were a special memory as were family RV trips to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. A family cruise to Bermuda and Eastern Caribbean to celebrate George and Judy’s 50th anniversary and graduations of grandchildren were a highlight.
George graduated from THS in 1959, attended MJC and took advanced training at General Motors Training Center for his work as an auto mechanic. He worked at Wenell and Bonander Pontiac. He operated a Mobil Oil 24-hr. Service Station with his father-in-law Charley Rebik. He owned J & R Auto Specialty Shop in Turlock from 1962 to 1978 and had the 3-A towing service in Turlock for 5 ½ yrs. After working for Denis RV for about a year he changed his vocation. In 1980, with training through the California State Auto Assoc. Mgmt. Development Program, he started a 24-year career with California State Auto Association until retirement in March 2004.
In younger years he was an active member at Calvary Baptist Church and served on various boards and committees such as Church Chairman and Chr. of Calvary Building A Vision Steering Committee for building the Ministry Center. Earlier years found him singing in the choir and at times a Men’s Quartet. Other Boards included the Missionary Gospel Fellowship and the Northern California Baptist Convention (now PacWest) Overseer Board.
Past years George was very active in Turlock Kiwanis Club serving as president twice and as treasurer for a number of years. He enjoyed the fellowship and helping with the various projects. Other community activities included serving on the Board of Turlock Chamber of Commerce, Turlock High School and Stanislaus County ROP Industrial Arts Advisory Committees, volunteering for Emanuel Medical Center Meals on Wheels, Past Vice President of Turlock Swim Club and Past Board member for The Heart of Turlock Auto Repair ministry.
George was preceded in death by his parents Arnold L. Johnson and Esther A. Johnson. He is survived by his wife Judy, son Brent (Lupe) Johnson, granddaughter Melinda (Mark) Anderson, grandson Jake (Carly) Johnson and granddaughter Sofia Johnson. He also leaves great grandchildren Charley Anderson and Regan Anderson.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Calvary Baptist Church building fund.
Funeral service on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 10:30am at Calvary Baptist Church, Turlock. Burial to follow at Turlock Memorial Park.
Condolences(7)-
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Leland & Bernice Schmiedt says
January 4, 2021 at 6:43 amWe were so saddened to learn that our good friend, George, has been called home by our Lord.
This must be a very sad time for Judy and their family.
I remember when George sat behind me in History Class at THS and would tease me. In 1963 George and Judy made our wedding party complete.
He was such a kind, sensitive man and although we didn’t see him for many years, we felt so lucky to be his friend.
He always had a smile and hello for every one.
We pray that God will grant Judy and the family comfort in the knowledge that some time in the future, according to our Lord’s plan, they will once again be together with George.
God bless.
Ken Freeby says
December 28, 2020 at 6:04 amSylvia and I were so sorry to hear about George’s passing. We are praying for you, Judy, and for your family: Bren and Lupe, Melinda and Jake. and your families.. We have enjoyed our friendship with all of you for many years.
We’re asking the Lord to comfort each of you and give you strength for these days and for the difficult days of transition ahead.
In Christ’s love,
Ken and Sylvia Freeby
Howard Don Smith says
December 27, 2020 at 10:55 pmI am sorry to hear about George’s passing. George was my father’s (Cleary Don Smith) cousin. I remember dad mentioning his cousin Georgie Johnson in his stories. I know I met George at least one time through the years, I may have run into him and not even known it as I spent a lot of time in Turlock during my younger years.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Howard Don Smith
Karen Angel says
December 24, 2020 at 9:37 pmMy Cousin George was a wonderful person. I always admired the life that he and his wife Judy lived, and with them Brent and Lupe, and their grandchildren.
George was born on 22 February, George Washington’s birthday. My Aunt Esther [nee Smith] was my Mother’s sister, Catherine “Kay” [nee Smith] Angel. Aunt Esther told us that when she was in the hospital, having just given birth to George, a nurse came into her room and said, “you should name your son George.” According to Aunt Esther, she and Uncle Arnold had not planned to name their son George, but Aunt Esther was too tired to respond to the nurse’s suggestion and that is why he was named George.
Like George Washington, the Father of our Country, George Arnold Johnson was a beloved father figure to many and was devoted to his extended community of friends and family.
Rest in Peace,
Cousin Karen Angel
Warren and Verna Riopel says
December 24, 2020 at 1:21 amWe are saddened at the news of George’s passing. We worked with him in the Kiwanis Club and always enjoyed his sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Judy, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow, but know that he is in his heavenly home.
Beverly Thompson says
December 23, 2020 at 4:22 amPraying for the Johnson Family , I work with George at the Turlock AAA office when it was on Geer Road, I loved working with George he was always a pleasure ❤ to work with, such a kind heart and spirit..Rest In Heaven..
Alan & Kathy Smith says
December 21, 2020 at 2:09 amAre deepest sympathy to the Johnson Family for the loss of a beloved husband, father & grandfather. You are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
May the wonderful memories bring you peace & comfort at this difficult time.