Obituary of Charles Ray Johnson

Charles “Chuck” Ray Johnson was granted his angel wings on Thursday, January 17, 2019.  Charles was born on December 13, 1997 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  He was a 2016 graduate of Parchment High School in which he was a stand-out Varsity football player.  He also attended Southwestern Michigan College. 

Charles’ life may seem too short to many, but those whose lives he touched understand that his quality of existence far exceeded the quantity of time he spent with them.  His gentle smile, loving heart and soft-spoken voice brought so much joy to his family and friends.

Charles was an active member of Conner Mayo AME Church, where he volunteered in many different ministries.  His interests included hanging out with his family, mentoring children, playing video games with his Dad and brothers; he also loved reading and was always curious about life in general.  He devoted much of his time and energy caring for the needs of his family and close friends.

Charles is survived by his parents, Raynoldo and Catrinka Johnson of Kalamazoo, MI; his grandparents, Larry and Cathy Ash of Plainwell, MI; seven sisters: Barbara, Skylar, & MaKayla Johnson, Shatia Pawlowski, Shalaya Pawlowski-Holiday & Jasmaine Ruffin all from Kalamazoo, and Abby Huhn from Grand Rapids, MI.

He is also survived by eight brothers:  Raynoldo Johnson Jr., Thaddeus Rodgers, DeMarcus Johnson, Jomo Upton, Stephon Pawlowski, & Tyvarion Johnson all from Kalamazoo, MI; Tyler Johnson from Middlebury, IN, and Grant Coykendall from Grand Rapids, MI; a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and the love of his life, Sincere Powell from Kalamazoo, MI.

He was preceded in death by his biological mother, Javay Ketta Johnson; grandmother, Saundra L. Johnson; grandfather, Charles Burnett; great grandfather & grandmother, William Louis and Ernestine Johnson.

Although Charles has departed from this life, he will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him forever.  He will always be remembered for saying, “Can’t whoop me though.”