Charles Lee Johnson, 84, of Mt. Vernon passed away peacefully at 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008. He was surrounded by his family.

He was born Sept. 5, 1923, in Hamilton County to John and Mary (McMahon) Johnson.

On Oct. 29, 1951, he married Mary Ellen Whisenhunt, and she survives.

He is also survived by two sons, Michael Lee Johnson and wife Leona and Alan Dale Johnson and wife Patty, both of Mt. Vernon; three daughters, N. Diane VanMatre and husband Tim of Mt. Vernon, Teresa Dawn Woodside and husband Eric of Ashley and Lynette Ellen Reaney and husband Kenneth of Woodlawn; grandchildren Lori Gowler, Chrissy Webb, Marcie Caldwell, Jason VanMatre and Kristi S. Cox, Amanda Gaines, Jennifer and Steven Rutledge, Tabitha, Mollie, Shelby and Haley Reaney, and Amanda, Kyle and Summer Woodside; great-grandchildren Lenzi, Seth Kaleb, Rance and Rylan and Kage Brayden and Caleb; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, a brother and a step grandson Jason Bolerjack.

Mr. Johnson was a deacon, taught Sunday school for 35 years and was song leader for many years at the South Side Baptist Church. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, traveling all over the United States, Ford cars, motorcycles, camping and boating.

He also loved his music. He played his harmonica at church often. He was always ready to help anyone, anytime. He will be greatly missed.

He served his country in the Army Air Force during World War II and spent 18 months in Guam.

Services will be held at Johnston Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon at 1 p.m. Sunday, conducted by the Rev. Jerry Montgomery and the Rev. Garlin Burris. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post No. 141 at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the South Side Baptist Church or to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Source: Mount Vernon Register News
Date: March 3, 2008
Submitted by Jerry Lee Williams