Charlie F. Johnson, 90 passed away Monday in Huntsville.
THE EAGLE HAS FLOWN FREE.
Charlie was born in Phenix City, AL Upon graduation from high school, he joined the Army, became a First Lieutenant and pilot then spent 18 months in Korea flying reconnaissance during the Korean Conflict. He resigned from the Army after 6 years & returned to Auburn University to obtain a degree in Engineering.
After graduation from Auburn University, he was one of the first employees at the newly created NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL in 1960. He worked on multiple programs including Saturn program and was part of the team instrumental in putting a man on the moon. He retired in 1980 from NASA. He became tired of retirement and then worked as a consultant for several companies supporting NASA creating proposals for government work which was instrumental in obtaining contracts for all. He spent 5 years at Atlantic Research Corporation as a consultant.
Charlie then opened a HVAC company named “Mr. Cool”. After 9 years, he sold this successful business and retired again to relax and play golf. He also became a docent at the Space and Rocket Center, receiving 2 awards. His name is on a brick in the Saturn Courtyard at the Center.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Warren Johnson; 5 children; 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and 1 sister.
A family service will be held near Auburn, AL at a later date.
If you choose to honor Charlie, please give donations to any local animal rescue organization.
