Willie John Johnston

Willie John Johnston, age 79 of Pansy, went to be with the Lord, Monday, February 27, 2012 at the Arkansas Heart Hospital. He was born November 6, 1932 in Rye (Cleveland County), a son of the late Orville Johnston and Blanche Clark Johnston. Mr. Johnston served in the United States Army, and retired from the Cotton Belt Railroad, where he was a signal maintainer. He was a member of Bethel # 2 Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Johnston enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Shirley Fay Johnston, Reba Sue Johnston. Mr. Johnston is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Ashcraft Johnston of Pansy, whom he married on November 17, 1955; two sons and daughter-in-law, Wilton and Donna Johnston of Rowell, Wade Johnston of Randall; one brother, Charles Everette Johnston of Gurdon; six sisters, Debbie Polk, Mattie Cotton, both of North Little Rock, Glenda Roschelle of Lonoke, Wilma Gasch of Alexandria, Erma Jean Johnston of Jacksonville and Verna Mae Hunter of Warren; three grandchildren, Ellie Ann Johnston, Gavin Johnston and Maddox Johnston. Funeral services are 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Bethel # 2 Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Wade Peddy and Brother Tony Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Prosperity Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at Buie Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Mark Young, Kelly Stewart, Trent Young, Carey Taylor, J. W. Gavin and Jerry Thomasson. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Men's Sunday school class. Memorials may be made to Bethel # 2 Missionary Baptist Church, c/o Mark Young, 720 Goggans Road, Rison, Arkansas 71665. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870)325-6216.