George William Johnston Jr.

George Johnston Jr. ARLINGTON -- George "Buba" William Johnston, Jr. , 92, passed away on October 31, 2017 in Arlington. SERVICE: Visitation will be 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 4 at First United Methodist Church in Arlington, with a service to follow at 10:30. There will be a lunch reception at Elks Lodge 2114 following internment. MEMORIALS: In recognition of Bub's desire to promote the arts as an essential part of our lives, it is requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Arlington Arts League. Bub began a life of adventure on September 28, 1925 in the Norman Rockwell town of Bloomington, Ill. As soon as he was able, he joined the Army as part of "the greatest generation" in the Pacific Theatre. He worked alongside master mechanics in the 520th Mechanical Company and found his passion. He honed his skill studying engineering at the University of Texas where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, a tradition carried on by his youngest grandson. After graduation, he started a 45-year career at Bell Helicopter. Shortly thereafter, he met a Chicago gal who he knew was his soulmate. When she returned to Chicago, he realized his mistake in letting her go, and borrowed his friend's phone to propose. Bub's career took him around the world and he was fond of saying he would have paid the company to do his job. Excelling in his field, he received a patent for development of the 214 ST Helicopter, Bell's largest civilian production helicopter. Bub was an active part of his community through the Arlington Woman's Club, Arlington Arts League, Arlington 4th of July parade association, and the Arlington Historical Society. After he retired, he joined the Senior Men's Golf Association, and found joy in garage sales and hunting. With his family he built a cabin at Possum Kingdom Lake where they enjoyed the outdoors. After 62 years of marriage, his wife passed March 7th, 2017. Never one to keep his wife waiting, they were reunited at his passing on October 31, 2017. SURVIVORS: Heartfelt memories will be carried by his sister; Mary Green; daughters, Susan (Richard) Alvarado, Alice Johnston and Georgann (Charlie) Price. The many lessons of life will be kept alive by his grandsons Chris "Buba" (Shyla) Magee, Duncan Price and Colin (Madeline) Price. And most precious of all, his name will be carried in his great grandson Bryce "Buba" George Magee.