Charles Randolph Johnson, Sr.

Charles Randolph Johnson, Sr. was born on July 27, 1944, in Upper Hill, MD to the late Franklin B. Johnson, Sr and Beatrice V. Handy Johnson. He departed this life peacefully on September 13, 2025, at Everett Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Everett, Massachusetts.

Charles was a graduate of Somerset Junior/Senior High School in Princess Anne, MD. Later he followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the United States Navy where he served four tours. That led him to reside in Boston, MA, where he met and married Ernestine Byson. Charles was employed with General Electric for several years, after which, he worked in maintenance, carpentry and home repairs as a contractor or self-employed.

Charles excelled in whatever he endeavored to do. Fishing was his past-time passion, and he excelled in it. Many have stories of how he always caught the most! Then he would love to cook his fresh catch and sit down to a long game of cards and another big home cooked meal.  He was a country boy at heart, and he loved good home cooking and if he couldn’t get it, he was delighted to settle for a three-piece KFC and eat it all!

Charles had a huge heart for his family, and he was quick to express it and to speak highly of them to all.  He also kept a close bond with his siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.  Whatever was going on, he always showed up for them.

Charles is survived by his wife, Ernestine of Hilton Head, SC; three sons, Charles Jr., and Tyrone of Boston and Javon of Princess Anne, MD; one step-son, James Byson of Boston; two daughters, Lavette McGill of Wake Forest, NC, and Tina (Dyanglo) Harris of Princess Anne; one step-daughter, Rochelle Byson of Atlanta, GA; one brother, Leroy (Tina) Johnson of Princess Anne; three sisters, Roseanne Tilghman and Deborah (Samuel) Howell of Upper Hill, MD, and Joan (Alphonso) Collins of Bowie, MD; 12 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Franklin “Frankieboy” Johnson, Jr., James “Jimmy” Johnson, Sr., and Melvin “Sonny” Johnson; and one sister, Virginia Hardy.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM, October 4, 2025, at Anthony Ward Funeral Home in Princess Anne.