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Archie Johnston Obituary
Archie Breckenridge Johnston (Lt. Col, retired) passed away December 2, 2013. He was born in San Diego, CA on December 13, 1918 to Andrew and Tess Johnston.
Archie entered the Army ROTC at 17 years of age. While enrolled at San Diego State University he was called to active duty and stationed at Pearl Harbor. A Pearl Harbor survivor, he continued his service to our country in combat in the European Theatre and Korea. After a total of 22.5 years, he retired as a Lt. Colonel in the US Army Special Forces.
The GI Bill brought him to Tallahassee in 1960 to finish his education at Florida State University, where he obtained his Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degrees in record time. After obtaining his Doctorate he worked for the Florida Department of Education, then became the first Dean of Students at Tallahassee Junior College. This began an 18 year career with TJC (now Tallahassee Community College) where he retired as the Director of Institutional Research & Systems.
His third retirement came after working for 14 years at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital-a career that had its beginning as a Lifeline volunteer and ended with him being hired as the first director of that program. After "retiring" he continued volunteering in the Lifeline program (along with his wife Jan), installing the personal response systems in a 7 county area in N. Florida and S. Georgia until 2010.
Archie was an accomplished athlete, a Golden Gloves boxer and used his scuba diving skills as a volunteer member of the Leon County Sheriff's Department Dive Team. He served on the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Board of Directors for 9 years. He was an active member of East Hill Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School, was the Sunday School Director and a Treasurer, but most importantly where his people skills were put to good use for decades as the Head Greeter & Usher.
He was a member of the local Elks Lodge and the Leon County Westerner's Club.
Sharing Archie's life was his wife of 65 years, Janice Pridgen Johnston, his daughters Donna Johnston Bixler (John), and Debra Johnston Arnold (Robert), grandchildren Luke Bixler (Juli), Diana Sheppard (Adam), David Arnold, Radik Arnold, and great-grandchildren Noah Channing Sheppard and Aubree Jane Bixler.
Visitation will be from 6-8pm Thursday, December 5, at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Rd. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, December 6, at East Hill Baptist Church, 912 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL. Interment will be immediately following the service at Culley's MeadowWood Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road.
Memorials in honor of Archie can be made to East Hill Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Archie Johnston
RET US Army
December 30, 2014
LT. COL. Archie B. Johnston (Retired) was a tremendously inspiring person who is no doubt a loss to us all in fact we have been enriched and in some degree protected by the many national and even earthly defense measures that this person has participated. May the family have peace we cherish the special memories. “He will render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore.” May we all rejoice in this good news of this everlasting peace. (Isaiah 2: 4) Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Gail Seals
January 2, 2014
Dearest Jan, How well I remember both you and Archie during the years that I was employed at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Your service there benefited so many patients and TMH personnel as well. I also recall how my husband enjoyed conversations with Archie as they compared their service in the Army. They served at different times but shared so many similar memories. Archie will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Cox Family
December 11, 2013
Mrs. Johnston, Donna, Debbie, and all of your family, please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have Mr. Johnston, and your family, as our neighbors for so many years. He was such a kind and caring person, and always a gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace.
December 9, 2013
Hello Mrs. Jan Jahnson;
I just learned of Archie's passing on. I know in my heart that Archie touched the lives of many people during His physical walk on this earth. I had the pleasure of knowing you and Archie during our times of installing many of the Lifeline units.
I know your long loving years of marriage will have many cherished
memories to keep in your Heart. I pray
that the Love of our Lord will fill that void in your Lives now, that only His Love can fill.
My love to you and the family,
Max West
Joan, Jeff, Sara, Jon Heggen
December 8, 2013
Miss Jan, Donna, and Debbie, We just found out yesterday of your loss of Mr. Archie. He was to us a most wonderful and kind man, always with a smile, and for me some good advice when I needed it. Mom was upset that we missed saying goodbye, but we talked at lengh about his effect on our lives and how both Miss Jan and Mr. Archie have been helping with our mom when she was in need. Were very sorry for you're loss and please call if we can help in any manner.
December 7, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Johnston family,our prayer are with you.
Cindy Elliott and Heather Grant
December 6, 2013
Dear Debbie & family, I wanted to let you know how much you and yours will be thought of this morning and in the days to come. What an incredible man you are letting go today. Your faith is so strong, you know exactly where he is going and can take comfort in those thoughts. I hope to see you soon for a hug in person. xox
December 6, 2013
Praying for you & your family through this troubled time. May God be with you.
Lila Swartz
December 5, 2013
To the Johnson Family:
Your father was something special to everyone he touched.
His service and belief in the American way was what kept America free in WW 2.
Then he blessed so many growing and developing young people during their educational years and to save them during those stressful years of education.
I knew him while I worked at TMH and he never failed to speak and smile when he saw
me in the hallway. He was the MAN that made the Lifeline program what it is today. He was once again to become the blessing of so many people's lives and allowing them to live free and independent. Once again, he was saving lives as he did in WW 2.
Later, I was blessed again to work with Debbie at Vocational Rehabilitation. The day he walked in again to my life was a blessed day that was lifted by him and his smile.
He was one of those special persons that roam the earth as an unknown angel. He will be missed and now I know another angel that will be at the doors of heaven saying "Welcome home, come on in".
Myself and those other grieving person in which he touched their lives will be praying for your peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
cathy seymoe
December 5, 2013
Donna, my thoughts n prayers are with you and your family. He was so kind.
paula and jay mcgarvey
December 5, 2013
Our prayers are with you and your family. May the peace of the Lord be with your and your's.
Elaine Keel-Ball
December 5, 2013
Miss Donna and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Dr. J when I was a student st TJC (TCC). an while I was a campus police officer. He was a kind person to all that knew him and to those who he would meet in the future. Dr J keep Dr.Turner in line. Spread your wings and SOAR HIGH my friend.
Guy Sanders
December 5, 2013
Donna and family. My condolences on your loss. Your father was a special man.
Dan and Geraldine Robbins
December 5, 2013
Archie was one of the finest man we have ever known and if more were like him this world would be a much better place. With love and prayers,
Miriam Mitchell
December 5, 2013
To Donna and the Johnston family, I'm very sadden to hear of your loss. Donna I will always remember your dad during our cheerleading days at Lincoln. He always kept you laughing. RIP Mr. Johnston. Lincoln Class of 78.
SIDNEY WOOD
December 5, 2013
I WAS PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN ARCHIE.
HE WAS ONE OF THAT
'GREATEST GENERATION'
HE CAME TO THE UK TO HELP US IN WW11
SIDNEY WOOD EX RAF 1941-1946
Leigh and Shane Hitchcock
December 4, 2013
We are thinking of you and sending love your way. Archie was a very special person.
Kathi Jowers-Powell
December 4, 2013
Donna and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. No words can comfort you, but find comfort in your friends and the prayers that are being prayed for you.
Steve Edwards and famly
December 4, 2013
Plase accept our sincere condolences.
Dianne Dearduff
December 4, 2013
I will always remember how very straight Dr. J stood any time the flag of the United States was raised or displayed and the National Anthem played or sung. He served our country well and modeled the Christian spirit with such ease. Will miss you Dr. J.
Mrs. Chandra Kelly - Walker
December 4, 2013
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Dick and Linda Franklin
December 4, 2013
Deepest sympathy to all of your family. Archie's presence will be missed but the wonderful memories will always be with us. Sending you our love and God's comfort. How proud you all must be for being a part of this very special man.
Marvin and Annette Franklin
December 4, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of Archie's passing. He will always be one of our memories of East Hill. I'm so happy we got to see you all at the anniversary celebration a few weeks ago. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce Ferris
December 4, 2013
Archie first and foremost was a dear Christian man who walked the walk. He was at Pearl Harbor the day of the Japanese attack which shocked the world. He was well known in the Tallahassee community for his service and devotion to his God, his Country, his community and his family. He is loved by so many and touched so many lives. He has now heard the words we are desire in God's family, “Well done good and faithful servant.” No one set the bar any higher. He gave his life a living sacrifice in service of his Lord and others. The Apostle Paul was thinking of the Archie Johnston's in the world when he penned these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit: “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” A race run well - started with grace and ended in glory. Our love and prayers are with the family during this time of separation.
Susan Raven
December 3, 2013
I am so thankful for the love of this wonderful man and his family for the past 40+ years. When my father passed away 35 years ago, Dr. Johnston stepped in and gave me immeasurable and unconditional love, support, and guidance that a girl hopes to receive from her natural father, much less the father of her best friend. I was very proud to be called the 3rd daughter in this wonderful family and am so very blessed to have this deep and abiding relationship with Mrs. Johnston, Debbie and Donna and their respective families to this day even though I no longer live in Tallahassee. God truly blessed me with the Johnston family and I will forever hold in my heart the love I received from and felt for this special man and his extraordinary family. God bless you Dr. J, I will love you forever and look forward to seeing you in Heaven one day.
Michelle Wright
December 3, 2013
I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to my daughter in law and her family during this time of sadness. I can only say that I've never met such a sweet man. One look into his eyes and seeing him hold our grandson will remain in my heart forever. I read his memorial and was in such awe of his accomplishments and see the love in his lovely wife and Daughter as well. God bless his soul and may the rest of the world read this and realize not many ever can make such a mark on ones lifetime.
Al and BIllie Padgett
December 3, 2013
Our love for this family goes real deep and very wide. Our hearts ache along with theirs as life turns down a new path
Diana Sheppard
December 3, 2013
<3
Crystal Figiel
December 3, 2013
I am proud to have met this man and even prouder to have his Grandson as my Son in law and the father of my Granddaughter. May he rest in Peace and may his family and his lovely wife be wrapped in God's comforting arms.
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