Roy James Johnston

1942 - 2025

Roy James Johnston

June 16, 1942 - September 15, 2025

Roy James Johnston, age 83, died peacefully on September 15, 2025. He was born on June 16, 1942, in Detroit, Mich. to William and Bess Key Johnston. When Roy was two years old, the family moved to Memphis, Tenn., where he grew up around cousins and other family.

He was a beloved husband to Patsy Kinder Johnston and a devoted father to five daughters: Kathryn Johnston of Mebane, N.C., Laura Johnston Cudd (Gordon) of Lynchburg, Va., Margaret Johnston Rhodes (Wil) of Charlotte, N.C., Allison Smith Stawski (Jim) of Charlotte, N.C. and Shannon Smith McBride (Ty) of Charlotte, N.C. As well as six granddaughters and five grandsons.

Roy lived a life defined by love, deep faith, and entrepreneurial spirit. He attended the University of Tennessee and earned his Engineering degree from the University of Memphis. He served in the Army National Guard, attached to the 101st Airborne, during the Vietnam Era. He began his career as an industrial engineer and was a proud member and President of the AAEI Chapter in Memphis. Roy worked with Dover Elevator and Rexham (Reigel Paper) with whom he transferred to North Carolina. In 1979, he started his own company, Roltech. This later became a global company, JC Manufacturing. Under his leadership, the business grew to supply labels, and packaging for the textile industry who provided products to major retailers. He set up printing operations in the U.S., China, Hong Kong, Korea, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. He was an avid golfer and a member of Sedgefield Country Club and past member of Pinehurst Country Club. In addition, he was an enthusiastic traveler, and, above all, a loyal fan of Tennessee Football – never missing a chance to cheer on his beloved Volunteers. He enjoyed being a member of the Nathan Doughtry Society at UT.

In addition to his loving wife and daughters, he is survived by his brother Alexander Raymond Johnston, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Johnston and Robert Johnston.

A man of strong faith, Roy was a founding member and a past Deacon of Jamestown Presbyterian Church, where he worshiped and served for many years. He was a generous man who was mindful of the needs of others. His presence, commitment and leadership will be deeply missed by his church family and community.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel, 6000 West Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. His funeral will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Jamestown Presbyterian Church, 1804 Guilford College Road, Jamestown, NC 27407. An intermit will immediately follow at 1 p.m. at Iredell Memorial Park, 2304 Shelton Ave, Statesville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Roy's memory to Jamestown Presbyterian Church. www.jamestownprez.org or 1804 Guilford College Road, Jamestown, NC 27282.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com.