Obituary of George Stailey Johnson – Rio Vista, CA (1936-2024)

George Stailey Johnson of Rio Vista, California, died on July 13, 2024 at the age of 87. He was born on November 21, 1936 in Great Falls, Montana. He spent most of his childhood in Denver, Colorado. He began his college career at Northwestern University in Illinois and received his Bachelor of Science from the School of Commerce at USC in California. His professional career was in the medical field, where he sold medical equipment to hospitals, specifically anesthesiology machines. He was instrumental in the development of the Hoyer Lift, which is used in hospitals across the country. He also ran his own medical sales company for a number of years. George was very athletic throughout his life. He wrestled and played football in high school. As an adult, he enjoyed tennis, golf, and bocce. He coached his children’s football, softball, and baseball teams. He was an avid USC fan and attended many home and away games as a member of the Cardinal and Gold Club. He also played piano and acted in several community theater productions. He was a man of deep faith and devotion to God. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was his faith that guided his family through the deaths of his daughter and son, his grandson and brother. George is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Carolyn Warner, his “Honey,” his three daughters, three sons, ten grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in his honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease Research at https://give.michaeljfox.org.