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Robert Johnston Obituary
Nashville, TN
Dr. Robert K. Johnston was born in Clarksville, Arkansas, April 19, 1940 to Anne Vanderslice and Robert Hartman Johnston, who predeceased him. He died October 11 at home with his family at his bedside. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Martha Johnston; his five children, James (Pamela) Johnston, Lexington, KY, Andrew (Kristen) Johnston Houston, TX, Elizabeth (Timothy) Howard, Brentwood, TN, Dr. David ( Dr. Jennifer) Johnston, Clarksville, TN, Mary (James) Tayloe Memphis, TN; eleven grandchildren, Alexander, Margaret, William, and Robert Howard; Leah and Brian Johnston; Hannah, Katherine and Matthew Johnston; and Caroline and Camille Johnston; two sisters, Eloise (Joe) Galvan, San Antonio TX and Camille Jones, Donna TX; one brother, Walter (Barbara) Johnston, Buda TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was raised in Mercedes, Texas and attended Maryville College. He received his MD from Vanderbilt University. Bob served in the Medical Corps of the Army at Fort Benning and in Vi-etnam and was honorably discharged with a rank of Major.
In addition to his family and his church, Dr. Johnston had four great loves. He loved music, fre-quently attended the symphony and sang in the choirs of both Hillwood Presbyterian and Trinity Presbyterian. He was an avid tennis player, winning local, state, and national titles. He believed in sharing his healing gifts, and was a frequent missionary to Kikuyu Orthopedic and Rehabilita-tion Center, an East African Presbyterian Institution outside Nairobi, Kenya. He also loved his medical practice, which began with the Edwards-Eve Clinic at St. Thomas hospital, subsequent-ly became the Lipscomb Clinic, and finally Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance. After retiring from TOA, he continued to practice at The General Hospital at Meharry until June 2014.
He was a member of Hillwood Presbyterian Church where he was on the session working with Room in the Inn and Habitat for Humanity. He served on the boards of The Medical Benevo-lence Foundation, Park Manor retirement home, and the Wilson Rehabilitation Center. He served as a church league basketball coach for many years.
A memorial service will be held at Hillwood Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, October 15, at 2:30 with visitation to precede at the church at 1:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hillwood Presbyterian Church, 6220 Hickory Valley Road, Nashville TN 37205, or The Wilson Rehabilitation Center, 2632 Purdue Drive, Vestal, NY 13850. Arrangements by West Harpeth Funeral Home, 6962 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209, westharpethfh.com, 615-352-9400.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Johnston
Jack and Charlene Thomason
December 20, 2014
Please accept our condolences. Dr Johnston was a great doctor but more than that a great humanitarian. He loved the Lord and used his gift to serve his fellow mankind until he received his reward. I was honored to have known as a physician and friend. Jack and Charlene Thomason Cadiz,KY
Carol Melley
October 30, 2014
Dear Martha and children, Please accept my deepest sympathy and that of my family. We were so blessed to have you as our neighbors and friends. Bob exemplified the best of what a physician should be. I know he is in the presence of God as I write. May God bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you. Wishing you comfort and grace, Carol Melley
Bob and Linda Mahley
October 16, 2014
We have long ago memories of your many kindnesses to us when we were dating in Nashville. Your impact as a loving couple was a great inspiration to us. We are blessed to have known you both. Love in Christ, Bob and Linda
Stan Topple
October 16, 2014
Whether in Nashville or Kikuyu, in Africa or the USA, Dr. Bob Johnston will be missed. His power on the tennis court and calm in the operating room, his warm and generous spirit, his love for the choir and for needy folk - all this is a treasure that will long be remembered. Thanks be to God.
Aunt Judee & Jay Houston
October 16, 2014
Beth, Tim & Family,
May knowing that your Dad was a remarkable man & blessed so many lives with his kindness bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time in your lives. With love and heartfelt sympathy
Gail and Stan Mengel
October 15, 2014
We send our deepest sympathy to all the family. Jim married Pam and then joined our extended family and we have come to know how special you all are. May God bless and sustain you with a strong presence of the Spirit. Gail and Stan Mengel
Marilyn Holt
October 15, 2014
Dr. J- I have great memories of our friendship and long term working relationship. I love you very much. Love and peace to your lovely family.
Dave Barry
October 14, 2014
Martha....you don't know me, but Bob and his brother, Walter, were my closest friends as we grew up in Mercedes. My condolence to you and your family for your loss.
Dave Barry
Houston, Tx.
Jessica Dr. David Johnston's Nurse
October 14, 2014
Dr.David Johnston and family,
Sorry for the lost of your father my deepest condolences to you and your family during this time of lost. May God bless and keep you and your family.
Terry & Marge Janiak
October 14, 2014
Our deepest condolences go out to Martha and the family of Dr. Johnston. He was truly an extraordinary man, and the world will be less humane without him in it. Martha, you and your husband have been wonderfully loyal customers of ours for a very long time. If there is anything at all that we can do to help you in this time of need, please do not hesitate to ask. From all of us at Terry's Service Center, you will be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless!
Fred Okach
October 14, 2014
Dr Johnston, I am what I am because of your love and sacrifice. You are engraved in my heart and I will always miss you dad.
Christy Fullum
October 13, 2014
Dr. Johnston was one of two "old school docs" at TOA. I only wish some of the doctors could be as compassionate as he was.
You will be sadly missed my old friend. ?? ??
Kim stephenson
October 13, 2014
Martha,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr J was a caring family man, skilled physician, good friend, and you both created such a wonderful legacy in your children! May God bless and keep you in this time of sorrow. Kim
Kim Stephenson
October 13, 2014
Martha,
I am so sorry for your loss.Dr J and you shared such a wonderful life together and created such a legacy in your children and grandchildren! What a wonderful and close family you have! I will always remember him with fondness, respect and appreciation for all I learned from him.He was certainly proud of you and your family.
I am a phone call away should you or the children need me.May God bless and keep you. Take care. Kim
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