George E. Johnson: key obituary facts
Is George E. Johnson dead? Yes. George E. Johnson died on July 6, 2026, at age 99.
Cause of death: George E. Johnson's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was George E. Johnson known for?
He was an American businessman (1927–2026).
More about George E. Johnson
Born: 12 June 1927.
Place of birth: Richton.
Place of death: Chicago.
Gender: male.
Occupation: businessperson.
Nationality: United States.
Education: Wendell Phillips Academy High School.
Employer: Johnson Products Company.
Awards: Horatio Alger Award.
Career began: 1954.
Also known as: George Ellis Johnson, Sr., George E. Johnson, Sr.
Years active: 1954–2026.
Known for: Founder of Johnson Products Company.
George E.
Johnson, the American hair and cosmetics executive who founded Johnson Products Company, died on July 6, 2026, at the age of 99. Born George Ellis Johnson in Richton, Mississippi, on June 16, 1927, he built a career in Chicago that began in 1954 and led to the creation of Johnson Products Company with his wife, Joan, and a barber.
The company went on to develop products including Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen, and in 1971 it became the first Black-owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange. Johnson was educated at Wendell Phillips Academy High School and received the Horatio Alger Award.