Judge Charles F. Johnson

Services for Judge Charles F. Johnson, 86, of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., formerly of Thomasville, Georgia, are at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Chapel of Allen & Allen Funeral Home, 110 W. Hansell Street, Thomasville, Georgia. Heeth Varnedoe and Pastor Tom Hamon will officiate and interment is in Laurel Hill Cemetery. A memorial service will be held later in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Mr. Johnson died May 12. Born September 1, 1922 in Burke County, Georgia, he was the son of the late Robert A. and Sallie Mae Johnson. Charlie attended law school at University of Georgia and was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1949. He began practicing law in 1949 in Thomasville with Sol Altman and served as Judge of State Court of Thomas County, Georgia from 1958 to 1984. He semi-retired in 1990, then he and his wife moved to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida to be affiliated with Christian International Family Church CIFC, where they were elders. He had been a member of Thomasville Kiwanis Club and New Covenant Church and its counseling program. Although Charlie was a father to only one son and one step-son, he was a mentor and "father" to many. He was fondly known as "Mr. Charlie" or "Judge Charlie." He was known to be a generous man, always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His son Don said his father was called at all hours of the day and night to perform wedding ceremonies. Charlie blessed countless numbers of friends and strangers alike. Many received the benefit of his wisdom and sound advice, which he generously offered to those who were his peers or those who just needed a "father's" advice. In his earlier years, Charlie was also an avid bowler and later became an avid walker. He loved sports: golf, football, and baseball. As a child, Charlie recited the names of current baseball players and their batting averages to go to sleep. Beyond these loves and affections, Charlie was devoted to Jesus Christ and was a lover of His Word and spent much time reading the Bible. Sue, his wife, heard him recite the 23rd Psalm every night before bedtime. As Judge Johnson grew older, his faith and trust in God deepened and brought him into a place of peace and contentment. Capable of conducting himself as a stately judge, Charlie was also fond of the simple things: candy, his wife's cornbread and bran muffins, an honest conversation with a friend, and a good laugh, to name just a few. Those who had the privilege of knowing "the Judge" outside of the courtroom are richer for the relationship. He was a kind and gentle man - slow to anger, quick to be kind. Always truthful, faithful and sincere, Charlie exhibited the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. Survivors include his wife of 40 years Sue Bradley Johnson; son and daughter-in-law Don W. and Janette Johnson of Hawkinsville, Georgia; brother and sister-in-law Johnny and Jeanette Johnson of Union Point, Georgia; sister-in-law Lula Johnson of Duluth, Georgia; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Richard and Marlene Fabian of Jonesboro, Georgia; niece Pat Davidson of Columbia, South Carolina; niece Theresa Thompson of Greensboro, Georgia; nephew Edward Johnson of Duluth, Georgia; and nephew Brad Fabian of Peachtree City, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marion Johnson; a stepson, Terry Jones Maxwell; and two brothers, Stephen W. Johnson of Duluth, Georgia and Robert A. Johnson of Columbia, South Carolina. Memorial contributions may be made to Christian International Family Church CIFC, 5200 Hwy. 98E, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459 or the charity of your choice. Visitors may sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com .
ALLEN & ALLEN FUNERAL HOME