Nelson Johnson Jr. was born on February 14, 1944, to Obie Rolling, Sr. and Lorine Smither Young in Huntsville, Texas.

Nelson was a hard worker. His work ethics showed in all that he did.  For several years he was the owner and operator of his own trucking company.

Nelson's church affiliation was with St. Luke I.M.E. under the leadership of Pastor I. S. Aycox. He later moved his membership to Unity of Faith Missionary Baptist Church, and served under the leadership of Pastor Obie Rolling, Jr. He became a deacon and served faithfully until his health began to fail. At the time of his passing, he served under the current pastor, Philip A. Hagan II.

Nelson was preceded in death by his children: Nathaniel Johnson and Katrina Nell Johnson; his parents; siblings: Mae Rogers, Herman Ross, Roy Chester Ross, Joyce Washington, Carrie Carrington, James Johnson, Laura Grant, Rev. Obie Rolling, Jr., John T. Rolling, and Elfert Rolling, Jr.

Survivors left in God's care, children: Nelson Johnson III, Kelvin Johnson, Kidane Johnson, Keisha L. Williams, Tamara D. Williams, and Tedrick R. Winfrey; 19 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren; siblings: Mary Douglas (Clevester), Sanford McGowan (Hattie), Jewel Rolling, Kenneth Rolling, Johnnie Mae Simmons, and Maggie Wanza (John); devoted friend: Katie Johnson, and additional relatives and friends.