Ricahrd Johnston

JOHNSTON, Richard

October 24, 1923 – October 12, 2025 Author, Centenarian, Storyteller.

The mischievous, wildly funny, and kind Richard "Dick" Johnston departed this earth knowing he was deeply loved and treasured by family and friends. A master racon-teur, he was a meticulous chronicler of his ancestors, his extensive travels, and his beloved hometown of Woodstock, Georgia.

Born in Woodstock, Georgia, the third of four sons of Florine Dial Johnston and Smith Lemon Johnston, Dick was a loving spouse, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his dearly cherished wife of 38 years, Brenda R. Toan; daughters, Ann Johnston Scott (Carl), Susan Power Johnston (Glen Oxton), and Ellen Toan Johnston; sons, Richard Johnston Jr. (Susan) and Thomas McCutcheon Johnston (Susan); grandchildren, Elizabeth Scott, Richard P. Johnston (Emily), William Johnston (Joan), Davis Johnston (Rachel), Emma Oxton, Kate Oxton, William Johnston, and Patrick Johnston; great-grandson, Roberson Johnston; his younger brother, William Johnston; his treasured nieces and nephews and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife of 34 years, Jeanne Power Johnston.

Dick's life was a tapestry of adventure, intellect, and creativity. He attended Emory University before being drafted into the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII, serving as a cryptographer with the 8th Air Force in Ipswich, England. After VE Day, he returned home aboard the Queen Elizabeth I, arriving just in time to celebrate VJ Day with his parents. He later earned a B.S. in Textile Engineering from Georgia Tech and a master's degree in Library Science from Emory. His career spanned the J. H. Johnston Company family business, research science, and international development. As a senior research scientist at Georgia Tech, he traveled the globe to support universities, governments, and industries. He loved his Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets!

After retirement, Dick authored four books chronicling his youth in Woodstock, wartime experiences, global adventures, and family memories—lovingly edited by his niece, Virginia Ross Taylor; and daughters, Ann and Susan. In later years, he found joy in painting, clock collecting and repair, and voracious reading.

A proud lifelong Democrat, Dick believed deeply in service, community, and country. His legacy is one of laughter, love, curiosity, and connection.

There will be two opportunities for friends and loved ones to celebrate Dick's memory. A gathering of friends will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at the Sandy Springs Chapel, 136 Mount Vernon Hwy., Sandy Springs, Georgia. A memorial service will be held in Dick's hometown at the Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main St., Woodstock, Georgia, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM. There will be a visitation from 1:30 to 2:45 PM, immediately preceding the service in Woodstock.

In honor of his wife Brenda's volunteer efforts and his involvement, donations may be made to The Sandy Springs Society, P.O. Box 720074, Sandy Springs, GA 30358, or the charity of your choice.