George W. Johnson, 87, died Wednesday, Jan. 19 at Alexander Cohen Hospice House.

He was born in Oakland, the youngest son of Caroline and Gladstone Johnson.

Mr. Johnson was a third generation lumberman who founded and conducted his own lumber business in Modesto for 25 years. He also owned and operated a small cattle ranch in the Valley Home vicinity and was very interested in history and family history, authoring a self-published book about his great-uncle who was a prominent early 20th century northern California lumber businessman.

The family appreciates the loving care provided to him by Juris, Aleni, and Ronnie at Serenity Hill Care Home in Oakdale.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice Johnson of Modesto; son, Daniel Johnson of Modesto; daughters, Nancy Ross and Karen Johnson of Oakdale; sister, Mary Ingalls of Tuolumne City; and three grandchildren, Michael Ross of Oakdale, Jarvis Johnson and Carrie Johnson, both of Long Beach.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Guy and Gladstone, Jr.; sister, Rosalie Kelly; and grandson, Joseph Ross.

A rosary was held Jan. 25 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel. A mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Oakdale. Interment will be at Lakewood Memorial Park, Hughson.

Remembrances may be made to Community Hospice.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Jan. 26, 2011