Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
It is with profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we share the passing of Charles William Johnson III, who left us peacefully at home on August 7, 2026, following a short illness.
A Celebration of Life Service to honor CW3 Johnson (United States Army, Retired), will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 21, 2026, from Camp Ground Baptist Church, located at 3898 Andrews Avenue in Ozark, Alabama 36360, with Reverend Merrell Henry officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Full Military Honors and Masonic Rites, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends in the church Friday from 9:30 A.M. until service time.
Born on December 14, 1953, in Mobile, Alabama, Charles—also known affectionately as Bill to those dearest to him— grew up in Milford, Delaware and filled his 72 years with love, service, and a tireless commitment to his family and community.
Charles was the son of Patricia Ann Pleasanton, who raised him along with his stepfather, Beverly W. Pleasanton. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Walter and his beloved grandmother, Anna (Dulin) Walls, mother, stepfather, a brother, his father, Charlie Johnson, his sister-in-law, Antoinette Juneau (Ken) and brother-in-law James Wyatt Crumpler (Glenda). He leaves behind a remarkable legacy through his surviving family: his devoted wife and best friend of 47 years, Carolyn Sue; his loving children, Jennifer Lasseter (Josh) of Ozark, and Stephen Houston of Austin, Texas; and his cherished grandchildren, Alexia Haddan, Tuscaloosa, Aiden Haddan, Ozark, Madison Lasseter, Troy, and A1C Hunter Lasseter, USAF, Texas.
Charles is also survived by his sister Constance Bennett (Hayward), Florida, his brothers Daniel Collins (Annita), Michael Collins (Brenda), Curtis Walls (Lynn), all residing in Delaware, and Kevin Johnson (Mary) of Georgia. Also surviving are sisters-in-Law Charlotte Hughes (Tony) and Cynthia Neikov-Brasher (Keith) of Ozark. He was treasured by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends, including Brian Tappan (Nancy) and John Morris, all of Delaware.
Charles attended Milford High School in Delaware and pursued higher education at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, earning a Batchelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Science, further fueling his intellectual curiosity and drive. With a profound sense of duty, Charles served in the United States Army from 1971 to 1993, where he worked as a Personnel Specialist and later as a Blackhawk pilot. His service took him around the globe, including stations in Germany, Japan, Korea, and Panama. He retired with honor and distinction as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 from Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Following his military career, Charles pursued a civilian career as the Safety Director for several large construction companies. He developed and implemented safety strategies and programs for large projects including the Ronald Regan Building in Washington D.C., and the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. His dedication to the safety of his workforce was always his priority as evidenced by his outstanding safety record and recognition. After retirement to Ozark, Alabama, Charles continued to serve his community as an active member of Camp Ground Baptist Church, serving as a Trustee and member of the Personnel Committee. A dedicated community servant, he was also involved with the Dale County Library Council and was a lifetime member of the Masons.
Charles found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid classic car enthusiast, often showcasing his beloved 1957 Chevy Nomad at car shows. Whether traveling the US in their RV with Carolyn Sue, tending to his fruit trees, working in the yard with his faithful helper and friend, Caleb Jones, going to yard sales or enjoying walks with Duke, his loyal grand-beagle, Charles embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He was also a skilled marksman, enjoying competitive shooting and clay sports.
Known for his sharp business acumen and unwavering dedication, Charles had a gift for bringing out the best in those around him. His intelligence, compassion, and wit endeared him to many, and his acts of kindness and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was extraordinarily proud of his children and grandchildren. Above all, Charles loved God, his family, and his country deeply.
Flowers will be accepted, or the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to Camp Ground Baptist Church, 3898 Andrews Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360; UAB Research and Medical Center, The Kirklin Clinic, 2000 6th Avenue South Birmingham, Alabama; or The Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the UAB Kirklin Liver Clinic in Birmingham, Dr. Michael Flanagan, Dothan, Gentiva Hospice, Dothan, and Holman Funeral Home, Ozark. A special thank you to Reverend Merrell and Jennifer Henry, and the Camp Ground Baptist Church family for their unwavering care, kindness, and love during this difficult time. Charles’s life was a testament to the virtues of service, integrity, and love, and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know him.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com
