Charles Eugene “Johnny” Stringer, better known as Charlie, Johnny, John Henry, but most proudly as “Papaw John,” of Wheelersburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at the SOMC Hospice House. He was born on January 7, 1947, and lived a life defined by hard work, unwavering love for his family, and an appreciation for life’s simple joys. On June 5, 1965, Johnny married the love of his life, Carolyn N. Pennington. Together they built a beautiful life centered on family, hard work, and unconditional love, sharing more than six decades of marriage filled with countless memories. Johnny was a skilled carpenter by trade and a proud member of Carpenters Union Local #437.
He spent many years building with his hands, leaving behind not only the structures he helped create but also a legacy of dedication, honesty, and hard work. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Nellie (Pauley) Stringer; his siblings, Russell Lee Stringer, James E. Stringer, Gary Stringer, Patricia Risner, Mildred Risner, Zona Sue Turner, Carolyn Bussler, Judy McClintic, Tressie Thornton, Rickey Stringer; and a very special sister-in-law, Shirley Brannigan and brother-in-law, Jim Clark. Johnny is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn N. (Pennington) Stringer, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories. He is also survived by his sister, Norma (Tom) Spradlin; his children, Theresa (James) Wiseman, Renae (Bill) Tolle, and Rick (Wendy) Stringer. He was an incredibly proud Papaw to Jessica Kelly, Arrick Wiseman, Travis Wiseman, John Ryan Wiseman, Kristen Dempsey, Ian Tolle, Hannah Tolle, and Jacob Tolle, and an even prouder great-Papaw to Macy, Robbie, Peyton, Jolie, Hadley, Dax, Otis, Reid, Kellan, Max and Kayden. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life, and there was no title he cherished more than Papaw John.
When Johnny wasn’t working, he was making memories with the people he loved most. Some of his favorite moments were spent camping at Long’s Retreat, where family weekends became lifelong memories. He loved gathering in the holler with family and friends, shooting guns, telling stories, and enjoying each other’s company. He was a devoted NASCAR fan who rarely missed a race, especially if Jeff Gordon was behind the wheel. In his younger years, Johnny also shared a love of dirt track racing with his son, Rick, proudly driving and cheering on the #26 car, making memories that would last a lifetime. Johnny never met a stranger and enjoyed nothing more than standing beside his truck, visiting with friends like Buck Walker, listening to George Jones and Vern Gosdin, reminiscing about the good old days, and welcoming anyone who stopped by for a chat.
His garage and heart were always open. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, hardworking spirit, quick wit, unwavering love for his family, and the countless stories, laughs, and conversations he shared over the years. Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, his legacy lives on in the family he loved so fiercely and in the memories they will cherish forever. Funeral services will be held 11:00am, Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home, with Merit smith and Tom Spradlin officiating, burial will follow in Vernon Cemetery. There will be a visitation, Thursday evening from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, at the funeral home.
