Obituary of Charlie Johnson

Cecil Charles (“Charlie”) Johnson, 78, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023 in Tulsa, Oklahoma surrounded by family and friends.  He lived his life to the absolute fullest, with passion, humor and absolute faith and joy, even in the final days of his life. A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Charlie at King’s Cross Presbyterian Church in Sapulpa, Oklahoma on Monday, May 1 at 10:30 a.m.  The burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery.  A Visitation will also be held at King’s Cross Presbyterian Church on the morning of Monday, May 1 from 9:00-10:30 a.m.  

Charlie was born on June 2, 1944 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma to Virginia and Cecil Claude Johnson.  Charlie graduated from Sapulpa High School, Class of 1962, and immediately began a nearly 50-year career in telecommunications, working for Southwestern Bell, Phillips Petroleum Company, MCI/Worldcom, and retiring from Verizon in 2012. 

Charlie was also a proud graduate of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, completing his degree while working and raising a family.

Charlie had many passions, but none exceeded his love and devotion to his children and grandchildren. He coached youth sports for nearly thirty years and rarely missed important ballgames, recitals and performances of his children and grandchildren in Oklahoma, Texas and beyond.

For many years, Charlie could usually be found spending weekends at his second home on Grand Lake, where he enjoyed boating and entertaining his family and friends. 

Charlie was an avid fan of OU football, holding season tickets for nearly 20 years and traveling with family and friends across the country to cheer on the Sooners.  His family has so many fond memories with Charlie attending and watching his beloved Sooners. Charlie was also a life-long Yankee fan and enjoyed his regular golf game with close friends.

With his affable personality and unforgettable charm, Charlie developed lifelong friendships, many of which remain active to the present day. 

Charlie was also a man of faith, spending considerable time in his later years serving the Lord through his local church, volunteering at the local food bank, traveling on mission trips, attending a weekly men’s bible study and, most recently, playing an integral role as a founding member of King’s Cross Presbyterian Church in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.

Charlie spent his last years of life as a devoted husband and caretaker to his wife, Carol Ann.

Charlie was deeply loved and will be missed by all. 

Charlie is preceded in death by his father, Cecil Claude Johnson, and stepfather, Paul Durham.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Johnson of Sapulpa, OK; mother, Virginia Durham of Bluffton, SC; his beloved three (3) children, Amy and son-in-law Teddy McMillin of Plano; TX, Patrick Johnson of Tulsa, OK; and Ryan and daughter-in-law Shelley Johnson of McGregor, TX; eight (8) grandchildren: Griffin McMillin of Dallas, TX; Madeline McMillin of Los Angeles, CA; Millie Johnson of Tulsa, OK; Luke Johnson of McGregor, TX; Elizabeth Johnson of McGregor, TX; Brighton Johnson of Tulsa, OK; Annie Johnson of McGregor, TX; and Pari Johnson of Tulsa, OK; his sister, Denise and brother-in-law John Bode of Easton, MD; brother, Brad and sister-in-law Suzan Durham of Carlisle, MA; stepchildren, Ken Ferguson of Arlington, TX, and Dana Pistole of Stuart, FL; and countless other family members and close friends.

Pallbearers for the service will be John Bode, Jimmy Willard, Griffin McMillin, Luke Johnson, Teddy McMillin, and Sean Bode.  Honorary pallbearers will be George Miner, Lane Langley, Ralph Pulido, Jim McDowell, Robert Brejcha, Charles Redd, and Scott Zenthoefer.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made King’s Cross Presbyterian Church at 9999 S. 49^th W Ave. Sapulpa, Oklahoma 74066.

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