Bishop Charles Ray Johnson, Sr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at his home in Beaumont, TX with his loved ones by his side.

Bishop Johnson was born July 2, 1946, in Pineland, TX to L.D. and Hattie Johnson. He joined and was baptized in the Church of the Living God P.G.T., under the leadership of Pastor C.L. Hunter. He gave his life to God and kept running for Jesus until he was called to preach the word of God. He pastored in Lufkin, then moved to Diboll COLG, and took his final pastoral position in Brookeland, TX at Church of the Living God P.G.T.

He attended Bryant High School in Pineland, TX during his school years. He later married Ella Jean Martin on August 21, 1965. The two were each other's lifelong companions and friends. They were blessed with two children, Tanya Lanet Johnson Ford (Deon) and Charles Ray Johnson, Jr.

During Bishop Johnson's working years, he was first employed at Temple-Inland and soon moved on to Brookeland ISD where he worked for over 30 years until retirement. He held many titles at the school and was known to be a great mentor to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, L.D. and Hattie Johnson; sisters, Nell Faye Johnson and Diane Jackson; and brothers, Carl Johnson and Ronald Johnson.

Bishop Charles Ray Johnson, Sr. is survived by his wife, Ella Jean Martin Johnson of 59 years; three children, Tanya Lanet Johnson Ford (Deon), Charles Ray Johnson, Jr., and Makiya Johnson; six grandchildren, Joshua Johnson, Janeshia McClelland, Jean'na McClelland, Kenny Johnson, Carter Johnson, and Na'jai Dellahoussaye; three great-grandchildren, Darren Lacy III, Nyla Johnson, and Normani McClelland; siblings, Estelle Cooper, Vickie Johnson, and Nettie Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.