Charles Wayne Johnson

My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. - Psalm 131:1

The Johnson family has been blessed with the gift of Charles, aka Uncle Charles, aka Chilly, for 71 years. A fiercely independent soul, Charles enjoyed his large family, reading, kids, long country drives, fishing, and beer!!

No matter who is giving a description of him, they use words like: "smart", "sweet", "funny", "mischievous", and "loyal".  His name means (Charles) “free man”, (Wayne) “wagon driver”, (Johnson) “son of John” (God has been gracious). So appropriate!! How did our parents know their 7th of 8 sons, 12th of 15 children, would be a free-spirited truck driver who would be granted the gracious salvation of our LORD?

Charles came into this large, loud, boisterous family on May 19, 1955 in Post, Texas. We often teased him that he was born 1 month early (Mr. Juneteenth). His parents, Johnny Johnson, Sr. and Madie, had their hands full, keeping up with this tall, handsome firebrand. He eventually lived with his older brother, Johnny Jr., in Odessa, Texas, graduating from Odessa High School.

Charles experienced many jobs, including oil field wildcatting, cooking, maintenance, and finally, long haul truck driving. He also continued his education at West Texas College in Snyder, Texas, and Odessa College. As he traveled around the country, Charles kept in contact with his relatives from California to New England. He would call when he was in your area and sometimes meet for a quick meal. He was invaluable in keeping the family connected by his updates. Even college students far from home knew they were not forgotten.

Not fathering children himself, Charles was the quintessential uncle—playful, supportive, guiding and protecting the myriads of nieces, nephews and stepchildren who came under his care. He was a life-coach to the next generation before that term was invented. “Tough Love and Helping Hands”:  He experienced tough situations, then worked behind the scenes to ensure others would not become victims to the same pitfalls of life.

In 2014, Charles suffered a series of strokes that left him hemiplegic and aphasic. No longer able to enjoy reading, talking, walking, and driving-he developed appreciation for small mercies such as chocolate cake and the incessant chatter of children. He then resided with his sister and brother-in-law, Andrea and David Thomas, at their home in Dallas along with his baby sister, Sharon, who became his chief caretaker until his death at home on July 24, 2026.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Johnson, Sr. and Madie “Blaylock” Johnson; brothers - Arthur Harris, Johnny Jr., Floyd, and Clint; sisters - Florene Sue Powell, Florence, and Faye Ruth. He is survived by his brothers - Loyd, Larry (Eileen), and Grayling (Sukie); his sisters - Frances Wright, Bobbie Harper, Andrea Thomas (David), and Sharon; and over 300 nieces and nephews of varying degrees.

We are eternally grateful to our Father God for the gift of Charles in our lives.

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