Foundation exec. 'Gus' Johnson dies

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)-Gustave "Gus" E. Johnson, the retired executive secretary-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Foundation between 1962 and 1981, died April 17 in the Palm Garden Nursing Home in Jacksonville, following a lengthy illness. He was 90 years old.

Johnson

During his 28-year tenure with the Foundation, the agency's total assets grew from nearly $500,000 to over $3 million. The focus of his work was to assist persons in preparing wills and trusts that benefited Baptist causes. The Foundation is responsible for the custody and investment of funds provided by individuals and agencies of the Florida Baptist State Convention. Among the first tasks undertaken by Johnson in new role as executive secretary-treasurer was to lead a campaign to raise $1.5 million for Stetson University and $500,000 for Baptist Bible Institute (now the Baptist College of Florida).

Prior to accepting the leadership post of the Foundation, Johnson served on the staff of the Florida Baptist Convention. He had a brief tenure as an associate in the Sunday School Department from June, 1948, to December, 1949, and then as director of Assemblies, Promotion and Public Relations from June, 1954, to December, 1961.

At the conclusion of his Convention service, then Executive Director John Maguire observed that Johnson had, "not only been a co-laborer; you have been a brother; you have been my inspiration; and you have been my strong right arm, for you have carried a tremendous burden and load, as you have directed the many facets of our promotional program."

Following his retirement in 1981, Johnson continued to be active in Rotary International and served a variety of volunteer and paid staff positions at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

During his professional career, Johnson served as education director for Main Street Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Central Baptist Church, Waycross, Ga, and First Baptist Church, West Palm Beach.

A native of Bunnell, Johnson attended Pierson High School and Haddock's Business University in Jacksonville. He also did extension course work through the Southern Baptist Seminary Extension Department.

During World War II, Johnson served in the United States Navy, having trained at the Submarine Chaser Training Center. He later served as chief yeoman in charge of office and personnel aboard the Destroyer Escort.

His wife, Gena, and a sister in California, Mrs. Dorothy Holder, survive Johnson.