Charles Johnson

Charles L. "Buck" Johnson, of the Carrollton community, passed away on February 25, 2025, at the age of 91 in Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky. Born on October 27, 1933, in Ghent, Carroll County, Kentucky, Buck lived a life dedicated to service, family, and community.

After graduating from Carrollton High School in 1952, Buck proudly served in the United States Army as a Tank Operator Trainer during the Korean Conflict. 

Buck had a distinguished career as a maintenance supervisor, retiring from Ato-Chem in Carrollton. He approached his work with the same enthusiasm and commitment he showed in all aspects of life, which earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike.

Sports were a significant part of Buck's life; he excelled in basketball during his younger years, playing for Ghent Schools and Carrollton High School. In 1952, he was especially proud to have made the Kentucky High School Basketball West Team. His love for the sport did not end with his playing days; Buck had also coached basketball in Ghent Schools, sharing his passion and knowledge with the next generation.

Beyond sports, Buck made time for other interests. He loved spending his leisure hours playing golf, fishing, and enjoying baseball, activities that brought him joy and allowed him to connect with family and friends.  He coached basketball in Ghent for many years. It was said that he always had a smile on his face, a testament to his kind-hearted nature and personable spirit.

Buck's legacy will live on through his loving family. He is survived by his son, Chuck (Amy) Johnson of Louisville, KY, and his daughter, Suzanne (Mike) Kelley of Sanders, KY. Also cherishing his memory are his companion, Carolyn Perkins of Carrollton, KY, his grandchildren, Julie (Jared) Lockwood, Jared Kelley, Megan Johnson, Sam (Caitlyn) Johnson, Maryn Sanders, and Ellyn (Wes) Tuggle, and great-grandchildren, Sadie Kelley, Poppy Lockwood, Rory Lockwood, and Rafe Lockwood. Buck is also survived by his half-sisters, Linda (Clay) Swihart and Debbie Jiles, as well as his sister-in-law, Betty Stewart, and many friends and relatives who will cherish his memory.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Lee Johnson and Susie Martin Gross, his beloved wife, Anna Joy Johnson, who passed away in 2007 after 52 years of marriage, and his nephew, William "Bill" Webster, who died in 1981.

A funeral service to honor Buck’s life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 4:00 P.M. at the Tandy-Eckler-Riley Funeral Home in Carrollton, KY, visitation will be from 2:00 -4:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital or American Heart Association in care of the funeral home.

Buck Johnson touched many lives with his warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit. He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Tandy-Eckler-Riley Funeral Home.