Bishop Charles Ray Johnson was born on August 21, 1958, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Bishop Robert Bailey Johnson and First Lady Toni Johnson. He was the sixth of eight children. Charles attended South Mountain High School and graduated in 1976.
He continued his education in real estate and became a licensed Realtor in the Phoenix Valley. He took great pride in helping individuals and families find their dream homes, traveling throughout the Phoenix area to serve his clients.
In 1985, Bishop Johnson answered the Lord’s call and gave his life to Christ. Filled with joy and a desire to serve, he became a faithful servant of the Lord and dedicated his life to the church and ministry.
Following the passing of his father, Bishop Robert Bailey Johnson, Bishop Charles Ray Johnson was called to pastor the Free Church of God in Christ in Jesus Name. He later became Overseer and Pastor over the churches in Arizona, faithfully carrying on the work of the ministry.
On a beautiful Saturday, February 27, 1987, Bishop Charles married Jan Johnson in San Diego, California. Their union was blessed with three beautiful children.
For more than 40 years, Bishop Johnson faithfully served God through preaching, singing, playing the keyboard, visiting prisons, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. His ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church. He had a heart for helping others and would open his home and extend a helping hand to those experiencing homelessness or difficult times.
Bishop Johnson will always be remembered for his love of God, his powerful praise, and the joy he brought into worship services. He especially loved playing fast songs on the keyboard and praising the Lord. His presence could be felt whenever he entered the house of God, and his love for worship was evident to everyone around him.
On the morning of September 6, 2026, the Lord called our beloved Overseer Bishop Charles Ray Johnson home. Although his earthly journey has ended, his life of faith, service, love, and devotion will continue to live on through his family, the church, and the many lives he touched.
Bishop Charles was one of eight children and shared his life with his seven siblings: Robert Bailey Johnson Jr., Pastor Dr. Carolyn Jack, Johnny Johnson, Barbara Ann Smith, Richard Earl Johnson, Joe Nathan Johnson, and William Johnson.
Our beloved Overseer Bishop Charles Ray Johnson was proceeded in death by his daughter Alyssa Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his homegoing his loving wife, Jan Johnson; his children, Sheneatra Johnson and Chas Johnson; his grandchildren, MaKenzie O’Reilly, MaKaylah Martin, Chas N. Johnson Jr., Dayton Johnson, and Sorayah Johnson; along with his siblings, extended family, church family, friends, and the many people whose lives were touched by his ministry.
As his family and loved ones continue forward, they will carry with them his example of faith and the charge to keep the faith and finish the race. Bishop Johnson fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. His legacy of love, service, and devotion to God will never be forgotten.
