Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Rolston Johnson Obituary
Feb. 8, 1929 - Sept 2, 2019
Saratoga, CA
Rolston Johnson, age 90, passed away on Monday September 2nd, 2019 in Saratoga California. Rolston was born on February 8, 1929 in Birmingham Alabama to George Lemuel Johnson and Ruth Rolston Johnson. He spent his childhood in Macon Georgia where he was raised by his grandmother Clifford Johnston after the passing of his both his parents at a young age.
Rolston graduated from Georgia Tech with a BA in Industrial Management and a second lieutenants commissioned in the Army Chemical Corps in 1950, he would later serve during the Korean War. In December 1950, Rolston married the love of his life Bettye Jacquelyn Wilson (Jackie).
In 1960 Rolston and Jackie moved their family to the Bay Area to start a wholesale distribution business. Butler-Johnson Incorporated would become a thriving business over the next 50 years.
Rolston was an active community member and a proud member of the San Jose Rotary Club, of which he was the President from 1982-1983. Additional community programs Rolston participated in include: Board of Ming Quong Children's Home, Board and President of Junior Achievement, Board of Chamber of Commerce, Board of Good Samaritan Hospital, and Chairman of the Chamber COMPAC Board of Trustees.
Rolston survived by his wife Jackie, his two children Tamlyn (Rick), and Stephen (Anne), his eight grandchildren, Patrick, Peter, Mark (Gabrielle), Sara (Brian), Jonathan (Shelly), Mark (Ana), Taylor, and Jack, and eight great grandchildren, Michael, Olivia, Grace, Bennett, Evan, Charlie, Lucas, and Cooper. Rolston was preceded in death by his eldest son Clifford Rolston.
Services have been held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
View the online memorial for Rolston Johnson
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rolston Johnson
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
1 Entry
Jim Kirkland
August 25, 2020
Rolston hired me as a printer at Butler Johnson when I was a young man and he was instrumental in helping me to mature as I worked as an all purpose staffer during 4 years of college. When I graduated, the Butler Johnson family praised me for a job well done and wished me well in my new career......when I got into trouble once on my finances.....Rolston called me to his office and discussed the issue of a collection letter he had received about me.....he emphasized to me that as a future CPA I must pay attention to details and make sure that my own personal finances were in order.....he encouraged me to look at this issue seriously and find a way to solve it. He made it clear that I was still in good standing in his eyes and asked me to work to correct this situation......I took it to heart and worked hard to do well in school and "keep my nose clean" as it were.....I've never forgotten the good deed that Rolston did to help me.....I was very sad today....to learn that Rolston died in 2019 and all day I've been reminiscing about my time with him and Butler Johnson in my young years before college.....God Bless Him and his family......Jim Kirkland
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Rolston Johnson's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Rolston Johnson
How to support Rolston's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Rolston Johnson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
