Charles Fred Johnson, 82, of Andrews died Tuesday, October 19, 2004 in an Asheville hospital. He was a native of Cherokee County where he had lived most of his life. He was the son of the late Purl P. and Mary Belle McClure Johnson. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the US Marine Corp. In 1952, he operated the Grapette Bottling Company, serving the six western counties and also operated a saw mill. He then became owner and operator of Tri-County Music Company until his retirement. He was of the Baptist faith. His hobbies included hunting and fishing.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Mildred Cable Johnson; two daughters, Janice Kaye Wiles and husband, Ken of Columbia Falls, MT and Patti J. Higgins and husband, Mark of Andrews; a son, Michael Charles Johnson of Andrews; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Kenitra, Kansas, Sheyanne, Jamie Lynn, Brian, and Erik; and five great grandchildren, Jaydn, Zoe, Gracie, Mason, and Sterling.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 23 in the Valleytown Baptist Church with the Revs. Ron McClure and Harry Vance officiating. Burial was in Valleytown Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Andrews VFW Post 7620. Pallbearers were Mark Higgins, Ken Wiles, Shane Tucker, Mike Ray, and Brian, Mike, and Erik Johnson.

The family received friends from 6-8 Friday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews where the body was until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services.

The family requests memorials be made to the Lewis Rathbun Wellness Center, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, NC 28803-2426.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.