Donald Paul Johnson

Donald Paul Johnson, age 76, of Charlotte, NC joined his family and friends, and his beloved Doberman Sunshine, who went before him, on August 18, 2018. Don, or Mr. J, will be missed greatly. He had a loving heart and a contagious smile. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a member of Church of Charlotte. He was a Mason and Shriner and a member of The Masonic Lodge No. 37. Don graduated from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. Don was a Captain in the United States Marine Corp. He was an Infantry Commander during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded a Purple Heart. He was a Commanding Officer of a Marine Corps base in Morocco. He was a Human Resources Officer for Bristol Myers in Syracuse, NY, Pelton and Crane in Charlotte, and became Vice President of Human Resources for W.R. Bonsal in Charlotte, where he retired. He was a host at McCormick and Schmick for several years after retirement, where he made many, many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank W. Johnson and Elsey Hively Johnson. He was the beloved husband of 42 years to Gloria Fouse Johnson; loving father of Jennifer and Michael (Rachel Friddle). He was the very proud “Papa Don” to James Michael and Donald Lee. Also surviving him is his dedicated Sister Dorlaine (Brian Burgess), Niece Gretchen (Matthew Falter), Niece Caroline (David Burt) and Nephew Jeremy Ziegler (Jennifer). A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Hankins & Whittington Chapel, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226 or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.