Robert Johnson, co-publisher and general manager of The Charlotte Post, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the age of 84. Alongside his brother Gerald, Robert elevated the publication into a vital community resource beyond journalism.
A cherished friend of The Par Busters Golf Group and a beloved figure among many East Coast golfers, Mr. Johnson wore many hats at The Post. Since his father Bill purchased the paper in 1974, Robert served as a columnist, circulation manager, and ad sales representative. After Bill’s passing in 1986, Gerald took over the day-to-day operations while Robert became the public face of the publication, fostering connections with readers, subscribers, and advertisers. He also played a key role in The Charlotte Post Foundation, supporting initiatives like the Top Seniors program, which honors academic excellence among Black high school seniors in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
“Bob was the kindest human and a wonderful boss during my time with the paper,” said Axios Charlotte reporter Ashley Mahoney, who worked at The Post from 2014 to 2021. Known for his easy-going manner and sense of humor, Mr. Johnson was a beloved figure in the office, offering advice, encouragement, and sharing personal experiences with colleagues.
“Bob was in many ways the heart of The Charlotte Post when I was there,” recalled Jeri Young, managing editor of the Winston-Salem Journal and Greensboro News & Record and a former Post features editor. “He always had a funny, crazy story and a knack for saying the right thing when you needed it most.”
A 1957 graduate of West Charlotte High School, Mr. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Johnson C. Smith University in 1961. He remained an avid supporter of both alma maters, especially their sports programs. He nominated his friend Pettis Norman, a former JCSU football player who spent 12 seasons in the NFL, for induction into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, which Norman achieved last month.
Jeri Young, a Charlotte native who began her journalism career at The Post in the late 1990s, noted that Mr. Johnson’s influence extended beyond the newspaper. A retired Charlotte-Mecklenburg teacher, Mr. Johnson was adored by his students, who often stopped him on the street years later to express their gratitude.
“Bob was one of those teachers everyone loved,” Young said. “Whenever we’d have lunch together, former students would always come by to say hello to Mr. Johnson.”
Aura Love shared on Facebook, “I remember growing up and riding with my dad to go meet with them and then leaving with a stack of papers to distribute. An era is definitely coming to a close.”
A funeral service will be held on June 14 at 12 p.m. at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, located at 7237 Tuckaseegee Road. Viewing will begin at 11:30 a.m.
