Christopher Hughes Johnson

Christopher Hughes Johnson, 52, of Volga in Barbour County passed away following a brief illness on Sept. 29, 2025, at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport.

He was born May 16, 1973, in Wayne, NC, on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, to Dwight “Huey” Johnson and Nancy E. Johnson, both of whom survive him. His father’s time in the Air Force allowed Chris to begin traveling the world by heading to Iceland while just three months old.

He was preceded in death by a sister Jennifer, his maternal grandparents Charles and Alma Jones, paternal grandparents James Lee and Chessie Johnson, and his father-in-law Joseph W. Adams.

Chris is survived by his wife Theresa Lyn Johnson (Adams), daughter Gwendolyn N. Adams, mother-in-law Beverly J. Adams, sister-in-law Stacey M. Adams, as well as multiple aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. He is also survived by his best buddy and canine companion Oliver, and his cat Briscoe.

Although going to schools in Maryland and West Virginia, Chris graduated from Philip Barbour High School in 1991. He would graduate from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in August of 1997. Chris not only cut his journalism teeth working for The Parthenon while in Huntington, but he also began what he would do for a lifetime by placing a heavy investment in friendships. At his MU stop, he made multiple friends on the “sixth floor,” led by Clint and Tracey.

Chris’ professional journey was almost exclusively on the journalism front and included stops in Parkersburg, the Buckhannon Record Delta, The Exponent Telegram, and most recently at Connect-Bridgeport. Much like he did with his friends and family, Chris put his heart into his profession.

Outside of writing, Chris had multiple hobbies. He loved collecting cards and memorabilia, movies, and music, and it was his love of music that led him to meet Theresa. The shared interest in music, going on trips, or even staying in and doing puzzles, playing board games, and watching movies, paved the way for an unbreakable marriage.

Chris also had an unbreakable bond with his daughter Gwendolyn. He called her his “tag team partner” and the two could often be found hitting the road, or even a cruise, to visit venues for professional wrestling and multiple Comic cons. He wore his love for his wife and daughter on his sleeve.

His love for all members of his family was deep and beyond words. Chris was thrilled to spend time with his mother doing Christmas shopping for others because “he knew Santa,” or eagerly awaiting the feast she would prepare each Thanksgiving. He also was proud of his father’s service to his country and equally proud to accompany him on the 2017 Honor Flight from Bridgeport to Washington, D.C.

He was always happy to take trips with Theresa and Gwen back to Maine to spend time with his mother-in-law, Beverly and Stacey and her boys. He also always made them feel welcome to come stay as long as they wanted in his home. He loved to tease Beverly and shared a love of Christmas with Stacey. He had a special connection with his father-in-law, Joe, who knew his daughter and granddaughter would be safe and loved with him.

Chris always had a passion for sports and even briefly spent time as a youth sports coach. His idol, like Chris, was a role model – Cal Ripken Jr.

That passion translated into what Chris became known for by not just a local audience, but a statewide one as well. His love for journalism began a decades-long career that centered on sports writing where he earned numerous awards and even more friendships.

Chris not only covered sports, but he championed those he wrote about from the players and coaches to the schools and communities. He became entrenched in high school athletics and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure student athletes from all parts of the state had a seat at the table when it came to honors and recognition through his work with the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. Those efforts afforded Chris respect in his chosen profession by not only those he covered, but by his peers.

In his 52 years, this kind and decent man from the soul out loved, laughed, and smiled. And those fortunate enough to cross Chris’ path did the same because of him.

Family and friends will be received at Wright Funeral Home and Onsite Crematory, 220 N. Walnut St., Philippi, on Thursday, October 2, from 5–8 p.m. and again on Friday, October 3, from 10–11 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Chris will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 5, at 12 noon at the Jones Family Cemetery in Clay County, WV.

In lieu of flowers, donate to an animal shelter or a children’s charity of time or money. Aspire to be more like Chris.