Robert Taylor Johnson

Robert Taylor Johnson, Sr. was born July 26, 1951, to Robert and Myrtle (Taylor) Johnson in Temple, TX.

Johnson graduated from Troy High School in Troy, TX in 1969. He served in the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam War. Johnson was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. He earned an Associate in Arts degree at Temple Junior College and attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He was a valued employee for the Veteran’s Administration in Temple, TX for many years.As part of his legacy, Johnson was active in the Temple community as a member of St. James Masonic Lodge #71, the Temple Branch of the NAACP, the City of Temple Planning and Zoning Commission, former Head Coach for the Minute Man Basketball Team, United Organization and Head Coach for the Lions Sophomore Basketball Team. In 2018, he received the Youth Baseball Walk of Fame Award for his dedication to volunteerism in youth baseball. Johnson was involved in many other community activities which are too numerous to list.

Johnson was ordained as a minister in April of 1993 by Pastor Matthew Wilson at Grant Chapel Baptist Church in Troy. Considering all of life’s accomplishments listed on his resume, becoming a minister was perhaps the one he was most proud of. Reverend Johnson served as Pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Rogers, TX for 1 year, and was eventually called to serve as Pastor for Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Cameron, TX, where he served for 19+ years. It was during his time as servant leader at Progressive that he met and eventually married Myrtle Clay Johnson, his helpmeet for 24 years.

Johnson never met a stranger. He had love in his heart for everyone. He loved studying the Word of God and ministering to others. He looked forward to visiting with family and friends. He also loved cars, music, singing and found joy in acts of service. His smile and the sound of his laugh were infectious. He was lovingly called “Papa J” by some, “Man” by friends and family members and “Uncle Man” by his nieces and nephews.

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, God called Robert Johnson from labor to rest, as it is written in the Word of God in Revelation 14:13; “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” His devoted wife, who was also his caregiver was by his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Robert Taylor Johnson, Jr.

Reverend Johnson leaves to cherish his legacy and memories: his loving wife, Myrtle Johnson; brothers Clarence L. Johnson of Troy, TX, Lester D. Johnson, Sr., and Charles W. Johnson, Sr. (Julia), of Temple, TX; sisters, Sandra A. Daniel of Austin, TX and Bettie E. Clay (John) of Winston-Salem, NC; and a host of family members and friends.

Johnson didn’t just preach the Word of God; he lived the Word of God. When asked on any given day, “How are you?”, he would respond, “I’m blessed, and God bless you!” He believed hate should be met with love and love would overcome everything.

“I serve God, being not ashamed of his Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believeth.” – Pastor Robert T. Johnson, Sr., Quest Magazine quote from December 2011 issue.