Charlie Johnson Sr.

In Loving Memory of Mr. Charlie Johnson Sr.

Mr. Charlie Johnson Sr. was the beloved son of Eligah and Ossie Mae Johnson. He was the
second oldest of five children, with two brothers and two sisters. He was born in Bainbridge,
Georgia.

Charlie later married the love of his life, Harriet Gilyard, and together they were blessed with
two beautiful children, Charlie Johnson Jr. and Sonya Yvette Johnson.
Charlie was a proud graduate of Hutto High School in Daytona Beach, Florida. After
graduating from high school, he answered the call to serve his country and proudly served in
the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, Charlie eventually moved to New York, where he worked a
variety of jobs throughout his life. He worked at the Thunderbird Hotel, Renault Drug Store
and later became an employee of the United States Postal Service.
When an opportunity presented itself, Charlie moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he attended
Brown Barber College. He also worked as a limousine driver for Mr. V’s Figure 8, where he
had the opportunity to meet many celebrities.

Charlie eventually discovered one of his greatest passions—working on automobiles. He
began working for Uniroyal Tire Company, gaining experience and developing a love for
repairing and working on cars and trucks. After leaving Uniroyal, Charlie took a courageous
step into entrepreneurship. He began working independently on automobiles and trucks,
building a life around something he truly enjoyed.

Charlie, affectionately known as “Big Charles,” was known for so many things, but most of
all, he was known for his love of people. He was the kind of man who always had a word of
advice to share with anyone willing to listen. He cared deeply about others and never
hesitated to lend a helping hand.

Charlie enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, traveling, eating at buffets, and
playing the lottery—often saying, “I need to play my numbers!” He loved getting behind the
wheel and driving from coast to coast just to spend time with family.
If someone needed help, Charlie was there. He was the kind of man who would take the shirt
off his back to help another person. His generosity, kindness, wisdom, and willingness to
serve others left an impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
As Dad, Big Charles, and Mr. Charles grew older and his body began to slow down, his heart
for helping others never changed. Even when he was no longer able to do all the things he
once did, he continued to help and encourage others whenever he could.

His final days were spent in and out of the VA hospital and rehabilitation centers as he
worked to regain his strength and independence. He fought to get back to the life he knew
and loved, but his body could no longer function as it once had.
And then, it was time to rest.

It was time to let go of the struggle and let God take it from here.
Charlie Johnson Sr. leaves behind a legacy of love, service, perseverance, family, and
generosity. His life touched many people, and the memories he created will continue to live
on through his children, family, friends, and all those who had the honor of knowing him.

Rest peacefully, Dad.
Rest peacefully, Big Charles.
Rest peacefully, Mr. Charles.
Your work here is done.
Until we meet again, may you rest in God’s loving arms.