Reverend Johnie Edward “Ed” Johnston Jr. of Arab, Alabama; went home to be with his Lord the evening of Friday – April 9, 2021 at the age of 74.
Rev. Johnston was born on the 25th day of August, 1946 in Albertville, AL to Johnie Edward Johnston Sr. and Aleta Elizabeth Evans Johnston. He graduated from Albertville high school in 1964; Ed furthered his education with the University of Alabama; receiving his Bachelors Degree and then attended Southwestern Seminary. He is a retired Southern Baptist Pastor; serving, Alapaha Baptist Church (Alapaha, Georgia), Edgewood Baptist Church (Gadsden, Alabama), Westside Baptist Church (Boaz, Alabama), Honeycomb Baptist Church (Grant, Alabama), Eastside Baptist Church (Arab, Alabama) and served as a senior adult pastor at the Gilliam Springs Baptist Church (Arab, Alabama). In addition he served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years. Ed enjoyed his family, Alabama football and collecting lighthouses.
Rev. Johnston will be forever remembered by his beloved wife of 53 plus years; Linda Faye Taylor Johnston; son, David Edward Johnston (Brandy) and Jonathan Ray Johnston (Andrea); brother, Troy Johnston; sister, Diane Nelson; grandchildren, Jacob Thomas (Lacy), Gracie Drake (Larry), Katelyn Thomas, Elizabeth Thomas and Micah Johnston; great-grandchildren, Lilly Thomas and Stephen Drake and other family and friends.
Rev. Johnston is preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation will take place at Gilliam Springs Baptist Church from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Monday – April 12, 2021
Funeral service will take place at Gilliam Springs Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday – April 13, 2021 with Dr. Jamey Pruett & Rev. Jonathan Johnston, officiating.
Interment will follow services at the Gilliam Springs Baptist Church adjoining cemetery.
Pallbearers will include: Jacob Thomas, Larry Drake, Gary Hooten, Larry Shoemaker, Chuck Reynolds, Kelvin Harbison and Chris Kirkland.
Honorary pallbearers will include: Micah Johnston, Mike Rester SS class and the staff of Gilliam Springs Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gilliam Springs Baptist Church or Big Oak Ranch.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, Directing.
