Charles Edward "Ed" Johnson, Sr., of Manassas, went to be with his beloved wife of 62 years, Dorothy Ann. Ed who was 88 years ‘young at heart’, passed unexpectedly Monday, August 28, 2017. Ed was born in Wingina, Nelson County, Virginia, May 16, 1929, preceded in death by parents Vallie Mae (Shifflett) and Charles S. Johnson, and his Brother, Lee Randolph Johnson.

He is survived by his five children Cynthia (Bugg) Salamone, Warrenton, Va.; Brenda Osborn, Manassas, Va.; Donna Johnson, Charlotte, NC; Eddie Johnson, Shipman, Va.; and Keith Johnson of Nokesville, Va., their Spouses, Gregory Salamone; Terry Johnson; Loretta Lemons and Henry Osborn. Nine Grandchildren, Natalie Ann Bugg of Orlando, Fla; Lawrence Edward Bugg of San Francisco, Ca.; Robert Johnson Bugg of Denver, Co; Charles Edward Johnson III of Manassas; Rachel Anne Johnson of New York; Bucky Osborn of Manassas; Brandon Osborn of Manassas; Tracy Friend of Fredericksburg, Va; Jessie Salamone of St. Louis. Great-grandsons, Ryan M. Bugg of Orlando; Ori (Gigi) Bugg of Denver, Co. (his 3rd great-grandson is due this month). His brother Thomas Johnson & wife Doris of Manassas. Sister in Law Sue Dodd of Richmond. Many Nieces & Nephews, he loved as his own.

Ed lived an exciting life with his family & many friends! A resident of Manassas since 1939, he joined the Navy from 1947-1951, serving on the U.S.S. Noble as a Machinist's Mate during the Korean War. He served his country and after returning from service he met the love of his life Dorothy Bayne they were married May 17th 1953. Ed worked at his craft of Tool & Die Engineer/Inventor at companies in VA, and eventually started his own machine shop - Johnson Tool & Die, Yorkshire & Lake Jackson - 1963 until 2000. Here, he and his Sons and trusted crew of Machinists created & made one of a kind, products and services for NASA and other government defense agencies.

His love of community lead him to serve as president of the Lions Club, Honorary Police Deputy Prince William County, President of Rotary Club Manassas, Manassas Men’s club, he was a life member of the NRA, Northern Virginia Rod & Gun Club, he was a Founding President of VGCA Virginia Gun Collectors Association, Manasseh Masonic Lodge #182 where he was recognized with a Meritorious Citation.
He was life member & participant in the North South Skirmish Association, 17th Virginia Infantry, and 7th VA, as a Competition Shooter. He was asked to fire for the 100th year reenactment the ‘Shot heard around the world at Signal Hill’. Our Dad was a lifelong self-learner who was a voracious reader with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. With that knowledge and the self-confidence he was born with, business and personal successes followed. Ed could converse with anyone on any subject. At the age of 70, VGCA members were asked to be part of group representing the US in Russia for the anniversary of the Kalashnikov AK 47 invention. Dad was a personal friend to Kalashnikov, and is mentioned with pictures in his Biography Book ‘Kalashnikov: The Inside Story of the Designer and his Weapons’.

Ed never lived more than 10 country miles from his family's home place in Independent Hill. To his brothers, Randolph and Thomas, he was a role model deserving of their love and devotion. To his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, he was larger than life. Although Ed strived for perfection, any missteps along his life journey served only to encourage him to succeed and become a better, wiser person - not just for himself but for those he loved and followed in his footsteps.

Ed was a regular in parades and local events, driving his '33 Chevrolet or Vintage Ford Tractors & 56 Chevy. He was also a regular attendee at U.S.S. Noble reunions all over the U.S. for the past two decades.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 10001 Nokesville Road, Manassas, VA. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 beginning at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

Interment will immediately follow in Stonewall Memory Gardens.

All are welcome to a BBQ at the American Legion Manassas – just as Daddy wanted…

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