Charles Lee Johnson, a lifelong resident of Tupelo, made his final journey from this life to his heavenly home to meet his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
Lee was the son of Muller and Cleo Ray Johnson of Tupelo. Lee was a graduate of Tupelo High School, Itawamba Junior College (now, ICC), and Mississippi State University where he received a degree in Business Management.
Lee was a Field Representative for the Mississippi Employment Security Commission for forty-one years, serving most of his time in employer taxes. He was highly esteemed for his knowledge of unemployment tax laws and his assistance in interpretation of the law was sought by many throughout the state.
He was an active member of the Tupelo Lions Club for many years until his health failed. He was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities, from leading the Royal Ambassadors to Deacon and Sunday School teacher for youth boys.
Lee met the love of his life, Ruth A. Nichols Johnson while attending IJC. They were married on November 10, 1962, and spent 61 happy years together. In their retirement, Lee and Ruth loved to travel, visiting all the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Lee is survived by his wife, Ruth Johnson of Tupelo; two sons and their families: Stephen Johnson and his wife, Amy, of Branson, Missouri; and their children, Hannah Breshear and her husband, Matthew, and their son, Smith, of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Haley Johnson of Austin Texas; and William Johnson and his wife, Michelle, of Mooreville, and their children: Dr. Mikayla Pracht and her husband, Caleb, and their daughter, Madelyn, of Canton; Austin Johnson and his wife, Dallys, and their soon to be child, Bryar, of Sherman; and Shay Johnson of Mooreville. He is also survived by two nieces and their families, and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Muller and Cleo Johnson, and his sister, Jean Lentz.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time Monday, September 16, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church.
Services honoring his earthly life will be 11 a.m. Monday, September 16, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church, Tupelo with Dr. John Boler, Rev. Jim Yates, and Bro. Shay Johnson conducting the service. Burial will be at Lee Memorial Park in Verona. Pegues Funeral Directors has been entrusted with arrangements.
Honorary pallbearers will be his Calvary Senior Sunday School Class.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, 501 Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38802 or to the Lions Sight Foundation of Mississippi, 431 Katherine Drive, Flowood, MS 39232.
A special thank you to the staff and caregivers of Right At Home, the home health agency.
