Charles Johnson

Visitation:
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
6:00 PM until 8:00 PM
4:00 PM until 4:00 PM
Wayne Boze Funeral Home
1826 W. Hwy. 287 Business
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Service:
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
2:00 PM
Pat Boze Memorial Chapel
1826 W. Hwy. 287 Business
Waxahachie, TX 75165

Charles D. Johnson
June 17, 1928-
July 24, 2006
Charles D. Johnson, 78, founder of the Ellis County SPCA, passed away Monday, July 24, 2006, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born June 17, 1928, to Samuel Minick Johnson and Mae Clayton in Waxahachie, Charles joined the Army Air Corps out of high school and went on to achieve the rank of staff sergeant, working in the Chief of Staff�s office for Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Following his enlistment, he went on to earn a degree in economics from Southern Methodist University. Following graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force.
Following his second tour of service in the military, Charles began a career in international marketing, working with the Purina Company in the Caribbean and Central America. After working six years abroad, he returned to school earning a master�s degree in hospital administration from Trinity University. Following his residency at the Tucson Medical Center, Charles began a 27-year career in hospital administration where he served as a chief executive officer and chief operating officer of non-profit hospitals in California and Colorado. During that period, he took a two-year sabbatical to pursue a doctorate�s degree at Texas A&M University in health education, specializing in human-animal bond programs.
Retiring from the health care field in the early 1990s, Charles returned to his home in Waxahachie where he became actively involved in the community. He served as an ombudsman for the Area Agency on Aging for North Central Texas, was actively involved in numerous capacities with the First United Methodist Church of Waxahachie and was instrumental in creating the Ellis County SPCA and establishing its facility on FM 878, which is named in his honor.
Until the time of his death, Charles was employed at Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, working in the Waxahachie office to assist families in need of legal assistance. Prior to his battle with cancer, he also served as a contributing writer to the Daily Light.
Having overcome many obstacles in his life, Charles entrusted his life to God and led by example, extending friendship and fellowship to all he encountered. He made a difference.
Charles is survived by his loving church family at First United Methodist Church and the many, many special friends blessed to have known him.
Funeral services have been scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 26 at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jerry P. Galloway officiating. Interment has been scheduled at the National Veterans Cemetery in Dallas.
Visitation will take place from 6-8 this evening at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home Chapel.
Charles has requested memorials may be made to the Ellis County SPCA or the First United Methodist Church organ fund.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wayne Boze Funeral Home.
www.waynebozefuneralhome.com