Reverend Charles Ray Johnson was born on September 20, 1961, in Magnolia, Arkansas, to the late Willie Johnson and Charlene Cooper-Johnson. 

Reverend Johnson united with Macedonia Baptist Church at an early age. He graduated from McNeil High School as the Salutatorian of the Class of 1979. After graduating high school, he furthered his education at Red River Votechnical College in Hope, Arkansas where he graduated in 1985 as a Master Carpenter.

Reverend Johnson started his career at Continental Slipper known as the Shen House in Magnolia, Arkansas as a machinist. He later worked at E & B Electric now called C & D  Electric until his health started to fail.

Reverend Johnson formed the gospel group “The Lights of Faith” in 1980. He held the position of Sunday School Superintendent from 1980-2015. He was ordained as a Deacon at Macedonia Baptist Church in October  of 1985. Reverend Johnson was ordained as a minister under the leadership of Pastor Earnest Moore on June 13, 2019. He preached his first sermon on June 30, 2019 at Macedonia Baptist Church. On Sunday, September 1, 2024, Reverend Johnson preached his final sermon. His message, titled “Use What God Gives You or Lose What God Gives You,” was based on Revelation 21:1-6 and Matthew 25:14-30.

On January 22, 1994, Reverend Johnson married the love of his life, Lesa Ayers-Johnson, from this union two children were born.

Reverend Johnson was preceded in death by his father, Willie Johnson; mother, Charlene Johnson; and brother, Willie Johnson Jr.

Reverend Johnson lived his life treating everyone with love and respect. He was a man of his word. If you asked him to do something he would be standing on your steps to do just what he said. His grandchildren, Zy’Riyah and Raegan were the joy of his life. He worked tireless hours to provide for his family.

Reverend Johnson departed this life on Monday, March 24, 2025. He leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife of thirty-one years, Lesa Ayers-Johnson of the home; one son, Sardonyx “CJ” Johnson OF Magnolia, Arkansas; one daughter, Kourtney Johnson of Arlington, Texas; one niece reared as his own, Kimberly Prater of McNeil, Arkansas; two sisters, Gloria (Billy) Steward of McNeil, Arkansas and Cassandra (Royce) Poole of Magnolia, Arkansas; four brothers, Oree (Helen) Manley of Camden, Arkansas, Larry Johnson, Jimmy (Lesa) Johnson, and Edward Johnson all of McNeil, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Zy’Riyah Johnson and Raegan Johnson of Magnolia, Arkansas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.