Charles Johnson (Courtesy)

Mr. Charles Ward Johnson, 80, of Longstreet Road, Elberton, GA, husband of Ann Tillis Johnson, suddenly finished his course in faith on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at his residence. 

The youngest of three children, Charles was born at home in Middleton, GA on May 8, 1943, son of the late Henry Lee Johnson and Fannie Mae Nash Johnson. He was a 1961 graduate of Elberton High School and furthered his education at Falls College in Atlanta, GA, earning a drafting degree. It was in Atlanta, GA where Charles met the love of his life, Annie Lee Tillis from Climax, GA. They would celebrate 60 years of marriage on April 4, 2024.

Learning that he was not one to sit behind a desk, Charles switched from draftsman to telephone man, and took a job with Southern Bell Telephone Company in 1964 and retired from AT&T in 2003 after 39 years of service. After retirement, he continued working in the telephone industry at Earnie's Communications. Charles was a longtime member of Stinchcomb United Methodist Church and loved the church and its members dearly. He was a former member of Philomathea Masonic Lodge #25. 

Charles continued the family farm throughout his life raising cattle and gardening. He also kept horses and raised birds. His more leisurely hobbies included square dancing and riding his motorcycle. 

Above all, Charles was a family man. He loved his family dearly and never missed an opportunity to support them in any way he could. 

Surviving, in addition to his wife Ann, are his children: Carole Johnson Byrum of Hartwell, GA and Paul Johnson and his wife Traci of Kansas City, MO; granddaughters who fondly referred to him as “Grandpa”: Candace Johnson, Crystal Hix and her husband Braxton, Caitlyn Johnson; and Casidy Byrum; great-grandsons: Broden Hix and Luke Hix; sister-in-law, Bonnie Toole of Tallahassee, FL; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings: Russell Lee Johnson and Grace Wylene Johnson. 

The family is at the residence and will receive friends on Friday, January 12, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. 

Funeral services celebrating Mr. Johnson’s life will be held on Saturday, January 13, at 11:00a.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Scott Mize officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. 

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to Stinchcomb United Methodist Church

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Charles Ward Johnson.