William Johnston

Feb. 5, 1916 - Dec. 17, 2011
William Hooper Johnston
Mr. William Hooper Johnston, 95, passed away at his home Saturday. Born and raised in Madison County, he was the son of Edward Douglas Johnston and Mary Warfield Clay Johnston. His family members include a son, William Hooper Johnston, Jr. and wife, Claire and a daughter, Pattie Johnston Cline and husband, John. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Anna Clay Johnston of Atlanta, GA, Kelly Cline Horton of Ft. Payne, John William Cline, Jr., William Hooper Johnston III; seven great-grandchildren, Rowan Evamae Cline, Norah Ann Johnston, Everett Lawson Horton, Madeleine Grace Baumgard, William Hooper Johnston IV, Cline Daniel Horton and Samuel Beaudry Cline and many nieces and nephews and their families. Mr. Johnston was predeceased by his beloved wife of 37 years, Mary Eva Kelly Johnston. He was also predeceased by a devoted wife, Helen Ellis Johnston and her daughter, Cathy Ellis Barnard. His extended family includes Pat Ellis Vidler and husband, Mike, of Columbia, S.C., and Christy Ellis Larkins, of Pensacola, FL, and their families. He leaves behind a very special friend and companion, Bebe Fleming.
A graduate of Huntsville High School, Mr. Johnston attended the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee and the University of Alabama Law School and graduated with LLB and J. D. degrees. He began the practice of law with his father, who was an attorney for many years in Huntsville. After serving in the United States Army Air Force during WWII, he was discharged in 1945 and returned to Huntsville and the practice of law. He served as Chairman of the Madison County Democratic Executive Committee for four years and as Register in Chancery for several years.
During his long life, Mr. Johnston was active in civic affairs. He was President of the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce during 1957 and served on the Board of Directors for several years. He was President of the Huntsville Madison County Bar Association, the Civic Club Council of Huntsville, the Huntsville Kiwanis Club, the Acme Club and Treasurer of the Huntsville YMCA. He was a senior partner in the law firm of Johnston, Johnston & Moore and practiced law in Madison County for 60 years. He also was an attorney for the Huntsville Madison County Airport Authority for more than 25 years. He served as President of the Madison County T. B. Association and as a member of the Board of the North Alabama T. B. Association and the Board of the Huntsville American Red Cross Association. He was the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Altus Bank in Huntsville. A lifetime member of the Church of the Nativity, Episcopal, Mr. Johnston was a member of the Vestry and served as Junior Warden.
Billy Johnston, "Dee", was an avid golfer whose love for the game was unquestionable. He continued to play and enjoy the fellowship of his golfing buddies into his 91st year. On a rainy day and unable to play golf, these devoted friends would enjoy a spirited game of gin rummy in the club house. He was a member of the Huntsville Country Club for over 60 years and served one year as President. After he was no longer able to play golf, Billy spent many peaceful and happy hours watching the major golf tournaments on TV and keeping up with his favorite players on the senior tour.
A family burial will be held Tuesday and a visitation will follow from 3 to 5 p.m. at The Church of the Nativity.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Church of the Nativity, Episcopal, or your favorite charity.