Traverse City – Charles "Charlie" Johnson, 87, of Traverse City, passed away on April 7, 2014. Charlie was born in Burkett Texas, on February 21, 1927 to the late Reece and Cora (McKinney) Johnson. In 1944 he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a medic and proudly served his country as a veteran of WWII. Upon returning from military service he began a lifetime career of nearly 60 years in the oil and gas industry.

Charlie married the late Sue Johnson (Hampton) and together the couple raised their three children and celebrated 50 years of marriage.

After living in Texas and Singapore, he made the decision in 1982 to relocate his family to Traverse City and begin his own oil and gas business. He started Northwestern Natural Gas, Antrim Drilling and LIDSCO. In his business, Charlie was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of the oil and gas industry. He had many loyal employees and business associates who helped him along his successful path.

He was very generous, honest and kind hearted and deeply loved his family. He enjoyed sports of all kinds and was known to "trade-off" between the Lions and Cowboys. He had a passion for learning, reading and working on his crossword puzzles. He was witty, smart and enjoyed playing a good practical joke with his many friends.

Charles married Jimmie (Hampton) Johnson on March 27, 2008 and the couple lived in Traverse City where he found much joy in their new life together.

He is survived by his wife Jimmie; daughters, Becky (Dan) Dixon, Melissa (Enda) Johnson; sister, Reecia Pigman; niece Cindy (David) Dixon, granddaughter Erin (Rob) Davis; stepdaughters, Susan Johns, Natalie Hampton; 3 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by; son, James "Jigger" Johnson; sister, Martha Summers.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Sat. April 12, 2014 from 3:00PM to 4:30PM at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Please share your thoughts and memories with Charle's family by visiting www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disability Network of Northern Michigan or Cherryland Humane Society.