Charles Douglas Johnston

Charles Douglas Johnston passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2025, at the age of 78. Even though a failing heart took him away from this world suddenly, his loving heart and generous ways leave an everlasting imprint on all our hearts. Charles was born in Richmond, Virginia, on November 20, 1946, and was the son of the late Frank and Hazel Johnston.

Charles retired from Prince George County Schools after years 25 of service. Prior to that, he worked for Johnson Oil Company for over 10 years.

He spent his retirement days tinkering with his treasured tractors and working outside in the yard. He loved the outdoors and always planted a big garden each year. He loved animals, especially his cats, Zoro, Meg, and Mittens. Many cats have found a home with Charles and Carol through the years, and he spoiled them like small children. He always said he didn’t go looking for any of them. They found him. He enjoyed feeding the birds, squirrels, and even a tricky racoon that no matter how hard he tried to lock up the food he was able to conveniently open any container. Charles loved spending time with his family and friends. He and Carol always took the family on a yearly vacation to Nags Head. Sunday dinners will never be the same without him.

Charles is survived and missed by his devoted and loving wife Carol of 47 years: and their children, Michelle Warren and her husband Brian, Peggy Klucina and her husband Mat, John Hendrick, affectionately nicknamed Huck and his wife Kaye, and David Hendrick, affectionately nicknamed Dootsie and his wife Erica. Paw Paw will forever be cherished and remembered by his eight grandchildren, Emily Oliver and her husband Jordan, Ben Warren, Nathan Hendrick and his wife Caitlin, Hunter Hendrick and his fiancé Cameron Hoffman, Parker Hendrick and his girlfriend Dare Burnett, Emma Hendrick, John Charles Klucina, and Austin Bowen. His sister, Lori Sandy, brother-in-law Chris, nephew Jordan and niece Olivia. His brother and sister-in-law Ralph (Bubba) and Bonnie Otey and his sister-in-law Frances Whitmore. Charles is also leaving behind some very special people, his uncle & next door neighbor, Richard Johnston and his girlfriend Ann Marsee, his uncle Herman Johnston, and his cousin, George (Junnie) Johnston. These guys grew up & old together and have always been more like brothers. He leaves a plethora of other family members and beloved friends whom he loved dearly.

If you knew Charles, you loved him. He was hard working, and he loved to do kind gestures for others and would give you the shirt off his back. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and while his departure from this earth is profound, we take solace in the fact that he is now in the arms of Jesus.

We will forever carry him in our hearts and honor him with the same love he gave so freely to us all.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”

Psalm 34:18

A funeral service will be held on July 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. and the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on July 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Home and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Interment will be private.