Charles R. (Charlie) Johnson, Sr.

Sadly we announce that Charles (Charlie) R. Johnson Sr. lost his courageous four year battle with ALS on December 13, 2016. Charlie passed away peacefully with Gloria his beloved wife of 55 years by his side at their home in Moss Creek Plantation, Hilton Head.

Charlie was the proud father to Wendy Yeager (Bruce) and Rick Johnson (Lynda) and a proud Papa to seven wonderful grandchildren; Taylor & Garret Johnson, Tripp, Griffin, and Carson Yeager, and Kim Dorsner and Jeff Morrison, all of Bluffton. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter Terri, and his parents Ella Martin Harvey and Claude Caldwell Johnson. He is survived by two brothers; David Johnson (Venita) of Savannah and Jerry Woodcock (Patsy) of Bluffton and their respective families. He is also survived by “Brother” Paul and “Sister” Addie Kelley of Johns Creek GA.

Born in Erwin NC in 1940, Charles was raised in Savannah, a member of the graduating class of Savannah High School in 1959, and also attended Georgia Technical School. Charles met Gloria, also from Savannah in 1960 and marriage soon followed in 1961.

In 1962 Charlie began his construction career working for Lattimore, Sullivan and Compton, building homes in Brunswick GA. In 1967 he returned to Savannah joining Rives Worrell Construction company working commercial construction including additions to Jenkins High School, Armstrong College, and supervising the construction of the Tibet Largo School.

In 1970, Charles and his father in law Robert Dulaney struck out on their own forming Johnson Dulaney Builders, Inc., with Robert retiring in 1980 due to health issues. In 1976 the Johnson family moved across the river from Talahi Island to Moss Creek Plantation. Johnson Dulaney “JD” under Charles leadership went on to be one of the most respected builders in the Hilton Head/Bluffton area constructing over five hundred custom homes, various multi family and commercial projects, always attempting and more often than not exceeding the expectations of very discriminating clients. Charles and JD were very active in the HH Home Builders Association, in various leadership positions including the Presidency, Board of Directors, and National Home Builder Association Representatives. Charles was awarded well over 250 Spike Credits, each Spike representing a new member to the association. During Charles leadership Johnson Dulaney was named “Builder of the Year” three times. Charles retired from Johnson Dulaney in 2001, but remained in a consultative role for the next decade.

In addition to the HHBA, Charlie was involved with other local organizations, serving as a member of the Bank Advisory Boards of Bank of Beaufort, SC National, and Wachovia. An active Rotarian with the Hilton Head Rotary Club for twenty six years, Charles was a Paul Harris Fellow and granted lifetime Honorary Rotarian Status by his fellow members when he attempted to resign when he was diagnosed with ALS. Charles and Gloria have remained active members of Bluffton Methodist Church for almost three decades serving in various capacities.

Charles loved to work hard, but loved to play hard even more. Golf was a passion for him, and his short game was legendary. He was a Hole in One Club member at least five times, and loved playing with the Cummings Group at Moss Creek and with Gloria. Charles really enjoyed watching the Falcons, Braves, and NASCAR but most of all loved spending time with his family and friends; watching his grandsons games, listening to music, and enjoying a cocktail. Avid travelers, he and Gloria loved new adventures, and spending summers at Beech Mountain.

Charles was the consummate Southern Gentleman to all who had the pleasure to know him with his just right hugs, wonderful engaging smile, and gentle spirit; Gloria's “Sweet Boy”.

Services:

Friday December 16th:

2:00 PM Graveside Service Hillcrest Cemetery, 1600 Wheaton St. Savannah GA 31404

Saturday December 17th:

2:00 PM Bluffton United Methodist Church, 101 Calhoun St., Bluffton, SC 29910 4:00PM – 6:00PM Reception at Moss Creek Club House.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that any memorials in Charles' honor be sent to the Graves Parsonage House Fund, Bluffton United Methodist Church, PO Box 368 Bluffton, SC 29910.