Long-time residents. Businesspeople. Philanthropists. Husband and wife. Family. Friends.

Those are just a few of the many ways people described Highland Lakes natives Ross and Alice Johnson during a celebration of their contributions to the area and plaque dedication ceremony held on Friday, Oct. 23, at Harmony Park in Marble Falls.

In conjunction with Ross’ 100th birthday just two days prior, over 100 attendees gathered to honor the Johnsons’ continued support of the Hill Country, featuring nearly a dozen speakers who touted the generosity and humility of Ross and Alice.

Throughout the Johnsons’ long lives, the couple has built a loving family, established one of the most profitable and opportune businesses in Marble Falls, and supported hundreds of families and students through generous donations.

“The story of Ross and Alice Johnson is, in many ways, the story of Marble Falls itself,” said Midge Dockery, who began the ceremony. “Ross is a descendent of General Adam Rankin Johnson, the founder of Marble Falls. Alice grew up on her family’s ranch near Marble Falls, and attended a one-room schoolroom at Shovel Mountain Schoolhouse and graduated from Marble Falls High School. Ross grew up in Burnet, where he was an accomplished athlete before attending Texas A&M University.”

The couple knew each other growing up, however, their relationship only took root in college. According to Dockery, Ross sent Alice a telegram asking her to attend a dance while in university, which she accepted.

That telegrammed dance invitation sparked a romance that eventually led the Johnsons to marry on Sept. 10, 1947, a commitment they’ve maintained for nearly 80 years since.

After marrying and pursuing a career with industrial services company Brown and Root, Ross and Alice returned to the Hill Country and founded what would become Johnson Sewell Ford in 1979.

Over its lifetime, the dealership has brought in more than $2.5 billion to Marble Falls, city staff said.

Marble Falls Mayor John Packer emphasized the Johnsons’ contributions.

“Through their business leadership, they created jobs and opportunities,” he said. “Through their generosity, they help strengthen schools, organizations, and causes that make our community a better place. And through their personal example, they demonstrated the importance of honesty, humility, compassion, and service.”

The Johnsons’ son-in-law, Bob Sewell, added his own perspective on the couple’s legacy, comparing it to the definition of greatness he once read in a book.

“Inspiring others to greatness is the greatest legacy you can live and leave in the world,” he said. “That’s what they do, inspire other people. They want no credit for anything, it’s not in their DNA.”

One of the Johnsons’ regular charitable endeavors involves donating to the Highland Lakes A&M Club, which provides scholarships to students in the area seeking a degree from Texas A&M University.

Mike Stripling, an alumnus of the club, spoke on the importance of the Johnsons’ continued support.

“Because of you guys… so many of us that went to Marble Falls High School benefited from a scholarship from that club to go to Texas A&M University,” he said. “We just want to thank you because we honor you and know that, as a club you’ve given a lot to, you’ve blessed so many students just like myself.”

Towards the end of the celebration, Mayor Packer proclaimed Oct. 23 Ross and Alice Johnson Day. Horseshoe Bay Mayor Jeff Jones recognized Oct. 21, Ross’ birthday, Ross Johnson Day.

Texas House of Representatives District 82 Rep. Tom Craddick also spoke on behalf of the state, presenting the Johnsons with a commemorative plaque to memorialize the occasion.

caden@thepicayune.com