CHARLES RAYMOND JOHNSON, JR.
July 15th, 2009, our
friend and fellow sportsman Charlie Johnson passed away.
He was 60 years old. It is a great time of sorrow for
all of those who knew him. Charlie was the type of
fellow that was always around. Even now that he is gone,
his jolly nature, and his memorable voice stills rings
in our hearts. One of his greatest joys was one that we
all share....watching the birds come in. He was a true
pigeon man. Even when he couldn't race, he attended a
race in someone's backyard. His job was to be a lookout
for birds coming in. I would also like to add that his
estimated times of arrival for birds was pretty darn
accurate. I think that Charlie would like me to mention
that he was a great fan of the Jan Aarden and
Busschaerdt strains of racing pigeons.
Charlie has been in the
sport for over 30 years. Originally from New Orleans,
LA., he resided in Slidell, LA. for the past 10 years.
He was a very dedicated member of The Slidell Racing
Pigeon Club. Charlie never missed an opportunity to
participate in any of the club functions. His presence,
his service and his heart for people will be truly
missed. Every time the birds go up, we will think of
Charlie.
Our thoughts
and prayers are with his wife Audrey and son Tracey.
Memories: From a
few friends in the sport...
SRPC-The Slidell
Racing Pigeon Club - Charles was a true friend
in the sport.He loved the birds and did whatever he
could to help the club. Remarkable as this may sound, he
never seemed to mind letting others shine. Being a
champion racer was not that important to him. He was
just happy to be a part of all that we did. Charles was
the type of guy who was happy when he could make others
happy. He is one of a kind and we will miss him greatly.
Byron and Mo
Williams - "Squiggy Wiggy Man", Charles would
call out to Byron and he would call me "Moto". I can
still hear it! Charles watched Byron grow up and was
always part of his life. Even as long as I have been
married to Byron, I can always remember Charles being
there for every big event in our life and just about
every pigeon event. Our children called him "Uncle
Charles" and he once told us that he thought of us as
his children. So, it is with a very heavy heart that I
write this. Many of our memories have included Charles,
whether it be with family or pigeons. I can only pray
that he knew how much he meant to us. We thank God for
the time we had with Charles. It was such an honor to
have him as a friend and as family. We love you Charles.
Joe and Diane
Graffia - Charlie was a very kind pigeon man,
but also a good friend. Every time he came over to the
house he usually had a smile on. Not too long ago he
gave me a saints pitcher he got from the casino. He had
that big smile on his face when he gave it to me. It
meant a lot then, but I can tell you, it means so much
more now. He will be missed.
The Kepplers
- Charles , a big guy with an even bigger
heart. I am so glad I got to see him the day before he
passed. I told him I loved him and he gave me the thumbs
up. We will miss him so much.
Mandel Armour
- In My memory of Charles Johnson, he could be
considered as a Man's Man because if I went to him with
a problem he would always give good advice about it. He
was the type of guy who was always willing to help and
looked for nothing in return. I will never forget the
time when I was I strongly interested in a bird of his
and was willing to pay the price. That night he gave me
that bird as a gift. We will miss him as the years go by
and wonder why the good have to die. So count your
blessings one by one and it will pay off in end.
Vick Corso
- Charles was a true friend. He was always there to help
when needed. I just wished he could have been well
enough to race these last few years. All the members of
the club would have really enjoyed that. I'll never
forget him.
"May the work
I've done speak of Me".... A hymn chosen in
remembrance of Charles.
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