M.E. Gene Johnson

M.E. "Gene" Johnson M.E. "Gene" Johnson was born on January 3, 1923, in Johnson County, Arkansas, and died on January 3, 2009, in Round Rock, Texas. He was a man of great integrity and honor. From the years of service to his country in the Navy during World War II, to the many, many years of service to the Austin community in business he was always a man true to his word. Slogans of "Service with a Smile" and "A Name You Can Trust" were the backbone of his commitment to the community. Devotion to the love of his life, Barbara June Johnson (married 57 1/2 years) and absolute love and support for his two daughters, Ady Purgason and Pam Cirkiel, was the basis of his strong sense of family. He was preceded in death by his wife, brothers Meeks Johnson and Marlon Johnson and his loving parents Joe Johnson and Clara Johnson. He is survived by an entire legacy of family; Adrienne and Raymon Purgason, Pamela and Martin Cirkiel; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Grandsons and families, Lee and Kathy Kinser with Loren and Amber, Mike and Candace Kinser with Morgan, Madison, Micah and Makenna, Shawn and Bria Cirkiel with Noah and Dylan. Granddaughter, Sarah Cirkiel, brother, Gaylon Johnson and wife Jo Johnson, sister, Edna Hickey; and several nieces and nephews. During World War II Gene was Chief ACMM and first stationed on the WASP. After the ship was hit by a kamikaze he was put aboard the USS Intrepid, out in the bay of Sapan, Ulithi, Yap and then Guam. He was on the Intrepid when the peace treaty was signed in Tokyo Bay. In 1946 he opened M.E. "Gene" Johnson service station & garage at 4801 Airport Blvd. when it only was a two lane road. Next he started Airport Auto Supply and then began a U-Haul business. While in the U-Haul business for 20 years he was the top dealer for Austin and San Antonio. He was very active in the Garage Association and also active in the wholesale parts association. During this time he was often acknowledged for being the best in whatever he did. M.E. "Gene" Johnson has always been a winner. With a positive attitude in life he always treated everyone equally, even at a time in history when everyone else did not believe in that philosophy. He has been instrumental in supporting the youth of Austin by giving work, positive attitudes and being a respectful, responsible role model as well as sponsoring little league teams for over 50 years. In the late 1970's he became a licensed Realtor. In 1983 Gene inspired both of his daughters to become Realtors. They have followed his footsteps and continue to work in the business of M.E. "Gene" Johnson Realtors, Inc. Over time the automotive businesses were sold and he concentrated on his real estate endeavors and playing dominoes. He always continued to be an example to everyone he met of what a good, honest, honorable person anyone could become. Mr. Johnson was a member of the Masonic Hill City Lodge 456 for 49 years. He was past Master as well as an Endowed member and Life member of Hill City Lodge and Endowed member of Round Rock Lodge 227 and recipient of the Golden Trowel award from both. He was an Endowed member of the Scottish Rite, member of the York Rite and member of Ben Hur Shrine. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW. Visitation will be Monday, January 5, 2009, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Beck Funeral Home, 15709 N FM 620. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Round Rock, 306 Round Rock Avenue on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., followed by graveside services at Cook Walden Cemeteries at 14501 N IH 35. A reception will be held at the M.E. "Gene" Johnson Realtors, Inc. office building, at 1901 E. Palm Valley Blvd. in Round Rock, after the interment. Pallbearers provided by the Past Masters of Hill City Masonic Lodge 456. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.