Charles Franklin Johnson, 79

December 14, 1945 – June 10, 2025

On the morning of Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in the quiet peace of his home and surrounded by the love of his family, our beloved brother in Christ, Mr. Charles Franklin Johnson, age 79, completed his earthly journey and stepped into eternity. As he drew his final breath, we have no doubt he heard those cherished words from his Savior, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.”

A celebration of Mr. Charles’ life and legacy will be held at 3 PM on Friday, June 13, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with Bro. Onnie Ralph and Bro. Steve Cohea officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 8 PM on Thursday, June 12, and will resume at 12 Noon until service time on Friday. He will be laid to rest following the service at Little Hope Cemetery, a place fitting for a man whose hope never wavered.

Born December 14, 1945, at the Ford Clinic in Ripley, Mississippi, Mr. Charles was the son of the late George and Daisy E. Barkley Johnson. He was raised with strong values and a deep-rooted faith that would guide him all his days. Receiving his education from Falkner High School, he grew into a man of great character—steady, hardworking, and deeply devoted to the people and principles he loved most. On August 6, 1966, he married the love of his life, Mrs. Nila Jean Barber, with whom he built not just a home, but a life anchored in love, faith, and shared purpose. Though she preceded him in death on February 14, 2006, their love story remained etched on his heart. Together, they raised a family in the Falkner community, where Mr. Charles worked tirelessly to provide for them, employed at local companies such as Gentry, Bilt-Rite, and ultimately Ashley Furniture, from which he retired after years of faithful service.

Above all else, Mr. Charles was a man of God. A born-again Christian and proud member of Crossroads Baptist Church, he didn’t just attend church—he served it. For over two decades, he lifted his voice as a song director, faithfully leading worship and filling the sanctuary with praise. He also served as a deacon, a role he humbly carried out with integrity, compassion, and quiet strength. The little country church wasn’t just a building to him—it was his spiritual home and a cornerstone of his life.

A steward of God’s creation, Mr. Charles found deep joy in the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, and his love for turkey and deer hunting was well known among friends and family. Whether scanning the woods from his truck or recounting signs of a deer crossing, nature was his second sanctuary. He was also a gifted gardener, producing bountiful harvests year after year, though he was more than happy to delegate the weeding and picking to his children with a smile and a wink. He was, without question, a proud American—patriotic to his core. He stood by the flag, spoke his convictions with courage, and never hesitated to share his views. Mr. Charles believed in the values this country was founded on and upheld them in both word and deed.

But perhaps what set Mr. Charles apart most was not just what he did, but who he was. A devoted husband, a cherished father, a faithful son and brother, and a loyal friend—he walked humbly, loved deeply, and lived sincerely. He didn’t just speak of his salvation—he shared it. Often, he would recount the moment he gave his heart fully to the Lord, after surviving a fall from a tree that left him injured but spiritually awakened. He would say, “I guess the Lord had to get me on my back before He had my full attention.”

Now, we find great peace in knowing that he is home—walking Heaven’s fields, whole and rejoicing, reunited with loved ones, and standing in the presence of the Savior he served so well. His life was a testimony, his faith unshakable, and his love enduring. He will be missed dearly, but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the truths he lived.

Those left to cherish his memories include one daughter, Charlotte Hopkins (Jeff), two sons, Danny Johnson (Connie), and Bobby Johnson (Ashley), one sister, Linda Barone, two brothers, Kenneth Johnson (Donna), and Jerry Johnson (Brenda), one sister-in-law, Sarah Johnson, eleven grandchildren, Amber, Annah, Colby, Hunter, Hayle, Daniel, Ashton, John, Bethany, Janna, and Reed, eight great grandchildren, Silas, Titus, Wyatt, Nila, Nova, Trenton, Asher, and Oliver, along with multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and church friends.

In addition to his wife and parents he is preceded in death by two sisters, Hazel Hensley, and Sally Imogene Johnson, and four brothers, Junior Johnson, John Johnson, Roy Johnson, and Gene Johnson.

Those serving as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and great grandchildren, John Johnson, Reed Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Colby Hopkins, Hunter Hopkins, Wyatt Goolsby, Silas Diamante, Titus Diamante, and Trenton Johnson.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for the unwavering love and care shown during Mr. Charles sickness.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memoires with Mr. Charles family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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