March 25, 2024

The decorative plumbing and hardware industry lost one of its finest gentlemen on March 10 with the passing of Chuck Johnson from a tragic bicycle accident. The industry knows Chuck as the founder of the Furniture Guild, which he started in 1984.

Chuck epitomized what makes our industry special. He was laser-focused on providing showrooms and its customers luxury products that might be copied by lower-priced competitors but could never be duplicated. A constant stream of new innovations are hallmarks of the Furniture Guild’s offerings that remain a competitive advantage for showrooms today. Chuck was obsessed with making our industry better by not only providing unique, head-turning products, but also training sales professionals to become better.

Most significantly, Chuck was one of the nicest people you would ever meet. Chuck was the consummate gentleman whose infectious smile and gentle demeanor will be sorely missed by all those who had the good fortune to know him and call him their friend, colleague, and industry peer.

Chuck not only loved his role in his business endeavors but thrived in the community as actively serving in various ministries such as helping in the organization of the North GA Tres Dias in Atlanta, God’s Rolling Thunder (a biker church in Woodstock, GA), working in a local battered women’s shelter, and many opportunities in prison ministry both in and out of state. He also regularly attended local Assisted Living Facilities to share his gift of playing his guitar with their residents. Chuck loved BIG and had a true Servant’s heart with a revolving door saying, “All Are Welcome.” He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him!

Chuck is survived by his wife Regina of 49 years, son, John Hilbert “Hib” Johnson II (Ginny), son Charles Barrett Johnson, and daughter, Brittany Johnson McCarthy (Owen). Also, he leaves behind five adored granddaughters, Libby, Annie, and MaryMac Johnson and Lylah and Kaelyn McCarthy. Also surviving are sister, Karen Johnston (Brian), brother-in-law, Tom McKnight (Vita), and mother-in-law Hilda Windle. Several nieces and nephews will miss their beloved Uncle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tim Tebow Foundation in Chuck’s memory.

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association