Philip Ronald Johnson

Philip Ronald Johnson passed away on Tuesday July 11th at Sharon Towers, in Charlotte, North Carolina at the age of 82.

Philip was born on May 6th, 1941, in Washington D.C.to Margaret Irene Heffron and Otis Hayward Johnson. He grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland and Sarasota, Florida. He graduated from St. Stephen's School in Alexandria, Virginia in 1958. After graduation, Philip attended Franklin and Marshall College until enlisting in the Army in 1961. He spent most of his service overseas in Stuttgart, Germany in the Army Intelligence Corp. When he returned from military duty in 1964, he married Suzanne Warfield whom he met in high school.

He soon followed in his father's footsteps and began working in the printing industry for Arrow Printing in Washington D.C. He continued in his printing career for over 20 years, culminating in the founding of Charter Printing Service in 1982, with two partners including Philip J. Boland. Charter Printing grew to become one of the premier printing companies in the Washington DC area, employing over 75 people at its peak.

During his time at Charter, Phil was very involved in a number of community, business and philanthropic endeavors in Alexandra and Washington, D.C.. He served as President of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, the Alexandra Rotary Club and the Printing Industry of Metropolitan Washington. He served on the boards of The Blue Ridge School, The Alexandria Red Cross and Inova Hospital.

He was very proud to be one of the original founders of the Woodchoppers Society, along with his brother-in-law, Courtland L. Warfield Jr. and his good friend John E. Williams. This group went on many exciting camping trips in Virginia, with Phil's son Thomas and Court's son Lee.

When at play Phil enjoyed sailing, playing golf and attending many ping pong parties that were held regularly among their wonderful group of friends in Alexandria. He and Suzanne also enjoyed many weekends and summers at their river house "Glebe Reach" in Lewisetta, Virginia. He loved having his children, Thomas and Liza, their spouses and his beloved granddaughters there as much as possible. The highlight for his granddaughters was to go with grandaddy for the daily trip to the dump, which always included a stop for candy afterwards.

Phil is survived by the love of his life, Suzanne. They met in 1957 while Phil was attending St. Stephens and Suzanne was at St. Agnes School. They have been devoted to each other for over 65 years and have been married for 58 years. Thomas and Liza recently had the opportunity to read over 500 love letters they wrote to each other, beginning in high school, through college and Phil's service in the Army. These letters serve as a testament of their commitment and love for one another that has endured for 65 years. Our family is so blessed and grateful to have these beautiful letters.

Phil is also survived by his children, Thomas (Julie), Liza Duncan (Lad), his four beautiful granddaughters Emily Bailey (James), Hannah Johnson, Frances Duncan and Lucy Duncan, and his great grandson Hart Hayward Bailey. He was preceded in death by his brother Otis Hayward Johnson, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Thursday July 27th at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314 with a reception following at St. Paul's. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to:

Sharon Towers

Office of Philanthropy

5100 Sharon Road

Charlotte, NC 282210

Their dedication to mom and dad has been immeasurable.