Richard Johnston

October 24, 1923 - October 12, 2025

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 raconteur, he was a meticulous chronicler of his ancestors, of his extensive travels, and of 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 Toan; daughters Ann Johnston Scott (Carl), Susan Power Johnston (Glen Oxton), Ellen Toan Johnston; sons Richard Johnston, Jr. (Susan), 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 Force during WWII, serving as a radio technician 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 in Library Science from Emory. His career spanned the J. H. Johnston Company family business, research science, and international development. His job as a Senior Research Scientist at Georgia Tech took him around 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. In later years, he found joy in oil 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 connections.

A memorial service to honor Dick will be held in his hometown at the Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main St., Woodstock, Georgia, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:00 pm, with a Visitation from 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm, immediately preceding the service in Woodstock.