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Surrounded by family, The Rev. Charles "Chuck" Johnson peacefully went to be with Jesus the evening of September 24, 2026. He was a devoted career pastor in the Reformed Church of America whose life was marked by faithful service, deep love for his family, and a passion for sharing the Gospel. He was born on January 10, 1931, in Wyandotte, Michigan, and lived a full life that reflected his enduring commitment to Christ and to others.
Chuck graduated from Hope College in 1954 and Western Theological Seminary in 1957 equipping him for a lifetime of compassionate and faithful ministry. In addition, he was certified by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and was an avid mentor to many young Christian leaders.
Chuck was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Donna Joyce Huss, on June 12, 1953. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, friendships, and ministry, serving side by side for more than seven decades. In addition, they shared a mutual love for music which served as a key element in their ministry partnership touching countless lives across the United States and around the world.
He was preceded in death by his father, Brandt Lincoln Johnson; his mother, Grace Hardy Johnson; his brother, Brandt Lincoln "Skip" Johnson, Jr.; and his sister, Jacklyn (Jackie) Thompson and is survived by his dear sister Gloria Schacht and brother-in-law Richard.
He is lovingly remembered by his children, Steve Johnson (Mary Ann McDermott), Eric Johnson (Barbara Utley), Denni (Johnson) Giovinazzo, and Philip Johnson (Mary Baggerman), as well as a cherished foster daughter, Betty Jo (Holland) TenHaken (Robert). His legacy continues through his 14 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, each of whom carries forward his example of faith and devotion.
Throughout his 70 years of pastoral service, Rev. Johnson served congregations in Mescalero, New Mexico, Meservey, Iowa; Gray Hawk, Kentucky; Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey; and Harrington Park, New Jersey. In addition to his parish ministry, he answered the call to serve internationally as a missionary in Bahrain and Oman, extending his witness across cultures and continents. Following his retirement from fulltime service, he continued his pastoral calling as a visitation pastor at First Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and faithfully provided pulpit supply for numerous churches throughout the greater Williamsport area.
Chuck was known not only for his powerful preaching but also for his rich tenor voice, which often filled the sanctuary as he incorporated classic Christian hymns into his sermons. His messages were marked by both conviction and warmth, leaving a lasting impression on all who heard him.
In retirement, Chuck and Donna embraced opportunities to travel and continued serving through short-term mission work in Africa and South America. Whether near or far, they remained steadfast in their calling to share God's love.
Chuck also had a lifelong love of baseball starting as a player for a local youth league, continuing through the Fordson High School team as a pitcher, then coaching a local youth league, becoming a proud Little League parent, and enthusiastically supporting Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers. He loved following the game and sharing that passion with family and friends.
Outside of ministry, Chuck found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid gardener, a skilled woodworker, and a devoted bass fisherman--pursuits that reflected both his patience and his appreciation for God's creation.
A visitation will be held October 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kaufman's Funeral Home, 2102 Northway Road Williamsport PA 17701. A graveside interment service will be held at 10 a.m. on October 3 at the Oval Cemetery in Nippenose Valley followed by a celebration of life service at First Church of Williamsport on Packer and Ross at 1 p.m. A reception is open to all and will be held in Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.
Chuck's life was grounded in the promise of his favorite Scripture, Ephesians 2:8 "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift from God."
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Church of Williamsport on Packer and Ross.
Rev. Charles "Chuck" Johnson will be remembered as a faithful servant, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a man whose life bore witness to the grace and goodness of God. His legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire all who knew him and as the grandchildren said, "if there is applause in heaven, granddad will receive a standing ovation".
Online condolences may be made on Chuck's memorial page at kaufmanfuneralhomes.com.