Francis Earl "Frank" Johnston

Francis Earl 'Frank' Johnston

SALISBURY - Francis Earl "Frank" Johnston, 76, of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010.

An extremely loving, devoted husband and provider for his family, Mr. Johnston was a pilot, world traveler, educator, animal lover, athlete, comedian, risk-taker and a purveyor of Egyptian art.

Born Oct. 21, 1934, in Syracuse, N.Y., he was the son of the late Charles and Lucretia Klock Johnston.

Mr. Johnston received his BA in Social Studies/Education from Syracuse University, his MS in Guidance/Counseling from Eastern Illinois University and his EdS from Ball State University in Guidance/Counseling.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force for 24 years before retiring in October 1978 with the rank of Captain. A fighter pilot, he served two tours in Vietnam.

After retirement he taught in the Texas School System from 1979-1986, served as an Educational Diagnostician and Supervisor of Special Education from 1986-1998 in Pearsall, Texas, and San Antonio, Texas, at Harlandale Independent School District before retiring.

He also worked as an Educational Diagnostician for Gastonia schools after relocating to North Carolina in 1998. He moved to Salisbury in 2001 and taught at North Rowan High School for two years and then served a year as an N.C. Correctional Officer at Salisbury Piedmont High Rise Prison.

He was of the Methodist faith and a member of the Masonic Lodge in Texas.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Charles "Chuckie" Johnston, on Sept. 21, 1971.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Bell Johnston, whom he married in 2005; daughters Paulette Crabtree (Harold) of Gastonia, Brenda Sheley (Miguel) of Tulsa, Okla.; stepdaughter Amber Bell of Brooklyn, N.Y.; goddaughter Amber Black of Tulsa, Okla.; grandchildren Amanda, Billy, Charity, Keena, Paul and Pooh; eight great-grandchildren; and a nephew, Mark Rice of San Antonio, Texas.

Service: A graveside service will be conducted 1 p.m. Friday (Dec. 24) at Hollywood Cemetery, North Broad Street, Gastonia, NC.

Memorials: May be made to Faithful Friends No Kill Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 3097, Salisbury, NC 28145.

Special thanks are given to everyone at Carolina Oncology, especially Dr. Bill Black, physician and friend.

Summersett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com