Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA

Obituary For Carl Henry Johnson

Carl Henry Johnson, 88, of Martinsville, Virginia, was born August 20, 1933, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Brownie and Marguerite Johnson. He is survived by Barbara Jane Johnson (née Royal) of Martinsville, VA, his wife of 63 years; daughters Marguerite (Eric) Johnson Swann and Carla Johnson and son John (Michaela) Johnson; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The tenth of twelve children, Carl is also survived by his siblings Roy Johnson and Barbara Harrington.

Carl was loved and respected by all who knew him for his selfless commitment to family, colleagues, friends, and community. He began working to support his family at the age of thirteen and entered the United States Army in 1950 at the age of seventeen. He was among the first group of active-duty warrant officers, and the first Air Defense Artillery Warrant Officer, to be promoted to the then newly established rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5. Throughout the course of his long and distinguished career, he was a leader and adviser to hundreds, a mentor to many, and a friend to all.

In 1995, Carl retired after 45 years of military service. He and Barbara settled in Martinsville, fulfilling her longstanding desire to return to her hometown. Active in his community, Carl was a member of American Legion Homer Dillard Post 78 and a substitute teacher for the Martinsville City Public Schools and the Henry County Public School System. A devout Christian, Carl was also a longtime active member of First Baptist Church of East Martinsville, where for 20 years he served as a Sunday school teacher, usher, and on various boards and committees until his health declined.

For Carl, obstacles and adversity were simply challenges to be overcome, and he negotiated them with an unfailing sense of optimism, determination, and positivity. He possessed an unshakeable belief in the power of education to transform and uplift, especially when embraced with an open heart and open mind. Ever curious, good-natured, and exuberant, he lived his life to the fullest, and we gather today to celebrate that.

Services will be held 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022 at First Baptist Church East Martinsville (1043 E Church St, Martinsville) with burial following at Roselawn Burial Park (103 Clearview St, Martinsville). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in his name to the American Legion Homer Dillard Post 78 (PO Box 342, Martinsville 24114).

Guest Book

I love you, Dad. I miss you every day. I am so proud to be your daughter even though we didn't always see things eye-to-eye; that's life, right? You never turned your back on me . . .thank you for that. I hope you are in a better place than this planet was when you were with us here on earth. Thank you for your service to this country that doesn't always appreciate people like us. I hope your transition was peaceful, and that it didn't hurt, nor make you afraid. I hope it was beautiful for you, Dad. I miss you so much. I hope you are an angel now, you deserve to be an angel, forever. Peace be with you, Dad.-Peanut

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Mr. Carl as we knew him was perhaps my father's (Jack Swann, SR) closest and oldest friend. They served in the military together as Chief Warrant Officers responsible for missile installation sites some so very secret that they were underground and camouflaged. Needless to say these were very stressful leadership positions. As mentioned by others Mr. Carl was kind and considerate. I needed a ride back to campus while attending Rutgers and he offered to take me, a 1 hour drive from Willingboro, New Jersey. Of course he couldn't resist kidding me about my big "afro" during the trip. He will be missed and remembered for his duty to country and family. Rest in peace Mr. Carl. With Love from Wayne and the Swann Family

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To Barbara and family: We were deeply saddened to hear of Carl's passing. He was a unique human being in his devotion to life and family. He was a real gentleman with a gentle soul. He will forever be missed and it was a blessing to have known him. Hines Family: Nora and Tracy Delaware Family: Sabrina and Bally

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA