John Henry Charles Jr.

Johnny Charles died on June 20, 2026, at his West Main Street home, Elkin, NC. He was born in Hickory, NC on June 13, 1950, to Betty Clemmer Charles and John H. Charles, Sr. 

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rebecca (Becky) Caton Charles, a daughter Rebecca Charles Isaac (Mitchell) of Winston Salem, NC, a son Christopher Charles (Beth) of Elkin, NC, and four grandchildren, Charles Mitchell Isaac, Claire Rebecca Isaac, Alexander Osborne Charles, and Elizabeth Caton Charles. He also is survived by four siblings, Cathy Sidden (John), Carol Steadman (Ned), Steve Charles, Ann Scott, and by sisters-in-law, Jane Powers (Jim) and Betty Holthouser (Will), brothers-in-law, Thomas Caton and Matt Caton (Kip), and numerous nieces and nephews. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents and special brother-in-law, Roger Scott. 

Johnny graduated in 1969 from Elkin High School where he was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. John attended Lenior Rhyne College (now known as Lenior Rhyne University) on scholarship and played on the football and baseball teams. He graduated in 1973 from LR, with a degree in Economics. He started his career at Lowes Company, Inc. and retired in 2000 after 28 years. Then he went to work for Starmount High School. He loved this job as it involved football and working with students as a job coach. Johnny was inducted into the Surry County Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor in 2013 and was recognized for his good character, reputation, and athletic achievement. 

Services will be held privately, in accordance with the wishes of the family. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.

The family wishes their deepest appreciation to the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice for their exceptional care and steadfast assistance during Johnny's final days. Thank you to the family, friends, and neighbors that have supported us over the years.

The family suggest that memorials be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017 or Elkin First Baptist Church, 10 Gwyn Ave. Elkin, NC 28621.