Richard James Johnson


Richard James Johnson, 92, of Charlotte, passed away on December 31, 2022. He was born in rural Eaton County on June 5, 1930, to Leonard and Isabell (LaBare) Johnson. He had two brothers, Leonard Johnson Jr. and Casey Johnson, and two sisters, Peggy Moon and Pat Langmaack. He graduated from Olivet High School in 1947. Dick left the family farm and began working at Aluminum Extrusions, working there for 42 years until its closing. He worked at several golf courses mowing their greens. He met his wife to be, Marilyn Upright, at a barn dance and married her in 1948. Together they raised three children, Rick, Kurt and Judy. Dick in his early years, enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. In his later years, he enjoyed playing golf and reading. He looked forwarded to his summers at Horsehead Lake and his winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Dick is survived by his children, Rick (Mary Jo) Johnson, Kurt (Joyce) Johnson, and Judy (Becky Mudd) Johnson; grandchildren, Erin (Brad) Wood, Mallory (Drew) Sestic, Justine (Rob) Kramer and Russell (Lisa) Johnson; eight great grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Island City Assisted Living for their excellent care over the past two years.
Friends are encouraged to support Richard’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. just prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will take place at West Carmel Cemetery. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Richard’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Charlotte Public Library for use in purchasing large print books. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.