Paul J. Johnson

Paul J. Johnson was born on February 23, 1936 and left this world on July 19, 2025 in his home at Independence Village, Grand Ledge, MI.

Paul was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan to Paul R. and Bessie L. (Whitaker) Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his cousin, Charlie Johnson; and his wife of 40 years, Carol (Vaag) Johnson in 2017. He is survived by his children, Eileen (Jerry) Fhaner, Janette (Dan) Miller, Doug (Tom Alton) Johnson, Jim Kirk, and John (Randi) Johnson; grandchildren, Nicole Miller, Heather Miller, Willie Huhn, Ryan (Dani) Miller, Allison (Jordon) Williams, and Kylie (Skiland) Judd; and nine great-grandchildren.

Paul spent most of his years in the Charlotte area, with a few years in Wolverine, Michigan as his dad moved them there to find work. His parents lives, and his childhood was tough; at 15 his first paying job was hauling ashes of coal out of the basements for school teachers for 50 cents an hour. He also worked at the box factory where he made 60 cents an hour. While helping raise his family, he worked at Beech Manufacturing, Dale Steel and in 1967 began work at Fisher Body where he worked until retirement in 1997. For 8 years, while working at Fisher Body, he picked up and hauled milk to Detroit and Ovid.

He and Carol loved to travel in their RV, and when he retired they spent their time between Michigan, Minnesota, and Arizona. In his heart, Paul was a farmer and the time in Minnesota was spent working the fields in the spring and harvesting in the fall. They made many friends over the years and Paul continued to do so when he moved to Independence Village after Carol passed. His family and friends will miss his easy smile, his friendly demeanor, his whistling, and his sense of humor.

Friends are encouraged to support Paul’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation and services will be held on Thursday, July 31 at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests The American Diabetes Foundation or Hospice of Michigan for memorial gifts. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.