Charles Ellsworth Johnson Jr.

He was born March 23, 1952, in Rochester, New Hampshire, the beloved son of Charles and Elizabeth Johnson. A man of faith, Charlie was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, ready laugh, and an open heart that welcomed everyone he met.

Charlie dedicated more than 40 years to Medical Laboratory Technology. He began his career serving his country in the U.S. Air Force, proudly completing eight years of service and honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. After his military service he worked at Virginia Baptist Hospital and later at F. Read Hopkins Pediatrics, where he retired. He left a lasting impression on coworkers and patients.

Charlie volunteered in his local church through the years and later ministered as a pastor with the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. His deep-rooted faith in Jesus guided his life and ministry and he took great joy in practical acts of service. Whether performing baptisms and weddings with joy, visiting the sick, sitting with those in grief, or collecting food and faithfully serving at the Forest United Methodist food pantry, it was all part of the life he lived. Trips to India and Haiti with his wife Joanne brought him a lifelong love of the wider world and a compassionate perspective that he carried into every relationship.

Charlie grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia, and graduated from Liberty High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Joanne (Wright) Johnson, and together they shared 53 years of partnership filled with love, laughter, and family. Always available for a hug or long talk, he was an involved father who loved joking with his son Jeremiah and his friends, learning to play guitar alongside him, and passed on his love of photography, travel and reading to his daughter, Courtney. He delighted in family life and especially in his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Grumpy” — a nickname they used with fondness for a man who was anything but grumpy. Charlie also loved all things Disney and found joy in the small, simple pleasures of life and family traditions.

He is survived and missed by his wife, Joanne; his children Courtney Harrington (David) and Jeremiah Johnson (Kate); and his grandchildren Thomas, Taisie, Levi, Lila, Isabella, Isaac, Alaska, and Jason Harrington; Leah and Jeremiah Johnson, Elijah Driskill, and Nigel Shipp. He is lovingly remembered by his siblings Karen Lawson; Dawna Lewis (Randy); Paula Kohrt (Dan); and Aaron Johnson (Cathy) who he loved (and tormented) through childhood and grew to admire and appreciate as friends in adulthood. He also leaves behind many loved nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Forest United Methodist Church, 1150 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551. A Celebration of Charlie’s Life will immediately follow the visitation at the church. The family welcomes all who knew Charlie to attend and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Forest United Methodist Church food pantry in Charlie’s memory.

Charlie’s life was defined by joy, faith, and an unfailing willingness to help others. He had a gift for making ordinary moments feel important, and his legacy of love and service will be carried forward by all who loved him.