Today, lots of people are gathering in Kerrville to wish him a happy 96th birthday and to say "thanks."  A native of Maryland who grew up in Pennsylvania, Johnson attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. While a student, he worked at the White House as a lifeguard for special events and served as a butler for President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Eleanor Roosevelt learned about the butler who put in 12-hour days and was studying for the bar exam. She arranged for his schedule to include serving tea for two hours a day. But she had set up a desk for him, and told him to study during that time.

He passed the bar in 1942, but didn't find out for six months because he was called to serve in World War II. He entered the Army as an officer and served in Italy in the 92nd Infantry Division — the Buffalo Soldiers. During the Korean War, he served as an adjutant inspector general and judge advocate general.

In 1964, his work took on national prominence. He successfully argued a case before the California Supreme Court that won the right for Native Americans to use peyote in their religious services.

He now lives in Kerrville with his stepdaughter, Yvonne Smith. Last year, state Sen. Frank Madla introduced a birthday resolution congratulating and thanking him.

Today, he will receive many birthday greetings during a ceremony that begins at 2 p.m. at Louise Hays Park in Kerrville.

Thank you, sir.   San Antonio Express - San Antonio,TX,USA