Charlie C. “Blackie” Johnson

Charlie C. “Blackie” Johnson, 88, of Memphis passed away Monday, July 28, 2025, in Memphis.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Hedley Church of Christ. Burial followed in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.

Blackie was born on January 21, 1937, in Hedley to Walter Cleveland and Gladys Clementine Johnson. He married Shirley Faye Jones on January 17, 1959, in Hollis, Oklahoma. A lifelong resident of Donley County, Blackie moved to Memphis in 1998.

A true cowboy at heart, Blackie spent many years rodeoing, riding broncs and bulls, and later served as a rodeo judge. He also enjoyed attending motocross races with his family to watch his son compete. He worked in real estate and served as a Tax Appraiser for several years, as well as working for many years at Bolin Grain Elevator in Clarendon. While employed at the Paymaster Cotton Oil Mill, he was awarded the prestigious Carnegie Medal of Honor for saving a life.

From 1984 until his retirement in 1998, Blackie served as Donley County Constable. Known for his vibrant personality, he loved his cows, enjoyed teasing friends and neighbors, and was always ready with a prank. He was once recognized as one of the Panhandle’s most colorful characters by the Amarillo Globe-News.

Blackie was also deeply involved in his community. He served as President of both the Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association and Memphis Meals on Wheels, and was a member of the Donley County Appraisal District Board of Directors. A devoted member of the Hedley Church of Christ, he led congregational singing for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, W.C. Johnson; and a sister, Velva Gibson.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Johnson of Memphis; his son, Tom Johnson and wife Carol of Quanah; his daughter, Sherryl Byars and husband Brad of Giles; his grandchildren, Jared Johnson and wife Melissa, Alex Johnson and wife Kelsie, all of Shallowater, Kendra Martin of Memphis, Matt Martin of Giles, and Wacie Decker and husband Shane of Clarendon; step-grandchildren, Kendell Williams and husband Jakob of Childress, Kade Byars and wife Bailee of Lakeview, and Kye Cogdell and husband Colton of Silverton; 9 great-grandchildren with one on the way; a nephew, Roger Gibson and wife Trudi of Canton, Oklahoma; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family requests that memorials be made to Memphis Meals on Wheels or Westview Boys Home in Hollis, Oklahoma.