Charles M. Johnson

ROCKY MOUNT - Charles M. Johnson, age 99, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 11, 2020. Born in Johnston County, NC on October 12, 1921, he was the son of the late Luther Albert Johnson and Mamie Ford Johnson. He is predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Evelyn G. Johnson; his sisters, Eva J. Raynor, Ann J. Jahn, Lettie J. Jenkins, Mary J. Barr, and Ruth J. Lynch; his brothers, L.A. Johnson, Irvin B. Johnson, and Earnest Johnson. Charles M. Johnson of Rocky Mount received The Order of The Long Leaf Pine bestowed by Governor Beverly Perdue to honor his service to the State of North Carolina. Johnson retired after a career of 40 years with the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He was presented the award by Terry Pierce, Division Director of Environmental Health, at a retirement event on September 13, 2011. The Order of The Long Leaf Pine is one of the highest honors the governor can bestow on a North Carolina resident. In addition to being an advocate throughout his career for the well-being of the citizens of the State, Johnson shared a lifetime of exceptional leadership and unselfish contributions to the community, state, and nation. A 1938 graduate of Benvenue High School, Johnson volunteered for military service in World War II into the Untied States Army Air Corps in the field of electronics and radar. He was among the 40 members of his unit to be chosen to continue his education at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Johnson was a life member of the VFW, the DAV, and a member of the American legion. Since 1947, Johnson was active in the Improved Order of Red Men, the oldest patriotic fraternity of original American heritage committed to the high ideals of freedom, friendship, and charity. He served as national president of the organization from 1982 until 1984. In 1987, the local organization established the Charles M. Johnson - Improved Order of Red Men Apache Tribe 2 Scholarship at Nash Community College to recognize academic achievement. Johnson received the National Improved Order of Red Men Freedom Award in 1995 in honor of his service and dedication. Active in the North Carolina Democratic Party since 1978, Johnson served on the executive and finance committees and attended various events and conventions. In addition, Johnson served as a delegate to every Democratic National Convention since 1988 until 2012. Johnson served on the Nash County Board of Education in 1966 and supported the establishment of Nash Technical Institute in 1967. He was appointed to the Nash Community College Board of Trustees from 1983-1991 by Governor Jim Hunt and served on the NCC Foundation Board of Directors from 1990-1997. He and his late wife, Evelyn were passionate about education and over the years established multiple scholarships at Nash Community College. Johnson also served on the Rocky Mount Planning Board, the NC Therapeutic Recreation Certification Board, and the NC Nursing Home Certification Board. Johnson was a past national president of the International Association of Bedding and Furniture Law Officials. He was a member of the Rocky Mount Rotary and appointed most recently by Governor Cooper to the Council on Aging. Charlie is survived by his daughters, Jean Griffin and her husband, Ray of Rocky Mount, Trudy Collier and her husband, Jerry of Nashville; his grandchildren, Crystal James and her husband, Benton of Hoboken, NJ, Terry Stroud of Wilson; his great-grandchildren, Brittany Stroud and Dylan Stroud; his great great-grandchildren, Gracie Stroud and Sarah Stroud; and several nieces and nephews. A Private Family Graveside Service to celebrate Charlie's life will be held at Pineview Cemetery with Pastor Terry Williams to officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Nash Community College Scholarship Fund in memory of Charles M. Johnson, c/o Pamela Ballew, Nash Community College Foundation, 522 N. Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Service Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 A Private Family Graveside Service to celebrate Charlie's life will be held at Pineview Cemetery with Pastor Terry Williams to officiate. Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801