Charles Otis Johnson III

GySgt Charles Otis Johnson, III (USMC Ret)
May 3, 1935 ~ December 28, 2024
"Well done, my good and faithful servant."
JACKSONVILLE - Charles "Chuck" Johnson was called home on December 28, 2024 after a brief illness. Chuck is survived by his wife, Jane, who remained a champion for Chuck until his passing.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, January 6, 2025 at Tar Landing Baptist Church with Rev. Jack Marshburn and Rev. Robert Williams officiating. The family will receive visitors 45 minutes prior to the service. The Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 AM. The Memorial service portion will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Military Honors and Interment will be held at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, North Carolina immediately following the services.
Chuck served in the US Marine Corps for 22 years, attaining the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Chuck distinguished himself as a combat motion picture cameraman and sound recording technician with the armed forces combat motion picture team, under the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Chuck was part of the advancements in creative photographic abilities in obtaining color motion pictures and sound of the United States and other free world forces efforts in the Republic of Vietnam. His performance, often in the face of enemy fire, reflected great credit upon himself and was in the highest traditions of the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, and the United States Naval Services. Chuck was a recipient of numerous recognitions and awards, including the Joint Services Commendation Medal with combat "V" device in honor of his service.
Chuck was a part of many opportunities to serve through motion picture and photography which would take him to obtaining undergraduate and graduate degrees from his beloved University of Southern California, while in the Marine Corps. During this time, he was privileged to have been a part of the advancements in film and cinematography in Hollywood, including Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB, a 1967 social science-fiction short film written and directed by George Lucas while he attended the University of Southern California's film school. In 2010, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant"
When Chuck retired from the military, he felt called to establish the first Christian bookstore in Onslow County. The bookstore served to extend ministry to the military community that became his home. Chuck, a local realtor in the area, was well known for his willingness to help and serve others. Chuck was an active member of many churches in his lifetime, serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Group Leader, and Deacon. Even when his mobility prohibited him from attending services in person, he would print the sermons and the current bible studies to sit at the table and listen online.
Chuck was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Association, the Marine Corps League, and the American Legion. Chuck was a former Rotarian in the Jacksonville Rotary Club and a Jacksonville Board of Realtors member.
Chuck was preceded in death by his first wife, Dixie. Chuck is survived by children: Carmen Mellott, Janice Fisher (Steve), Chuck Johnson Jr. (Beth), Ed Johnson (Rhonda), Mike Johnson, Dawn Rochelle (Henry), and Guy Williams (Jennifer); Grandchildren: Amanda, Angela, Eli, Justin, Joshua, Lyle III, Lindsey, Holly, David, Emily, Mark, Brittany, Briana, Sunny, Dylana, Julia, Andrew, Lena and Taylor; Great-grandchildren: Joanna, Joshua, Jack, Lilianna, Logan, Zach, Lena, Layla, Ruby, Gabby, Nora, Tristan, Bella, Taylor, Mayumi, Naomi, Scarlett, Geo, and Rosabella
Thank you to the amazing team at Onslow Memorial Hospital for their care of Chuck and the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the nonprofit, One Place, which serves military children. Donations can be made at www.oneplaceonslow.org/donate-today/ or by mail at 900 Dennis Road, Jacksonville, NC 28546.