George L. Johnston, 84, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023, at The Meadows at Fulton, MS, after an extended illness. George was born December 3, 1938, to George Hiram Johnston and Maudie Mae Kight Johnston. He was a younger brother to Gilruth “Gillie” Woolwine Johnston, and an older brother to two younger sisters, Gloria Jean Johnston (Purvis), who he affectionately always called “Deanie”, and Sharrie Layne Johnston (Saxton). George graduated from Yazoo City High School in May 1956. George served the United States Marine Corps from January 1957 until January 1960. He specialized in aviation structure and mechanics and was honored for his skills as a sharpshooter. After Marine Corps service, George worked in construction, verified cotton acreage, and served the MS State Highway Department. After moving to Fulton in 1970, George began working for Mueller Brass making copper pipes for plumbing where he retired in May 2001. George married Martha Ann Mann 3 June 1960. They were married almost 61 blessed years. George and Martha were members of the Fulton Free Will Baptist Church. George served as a deacon for many years, and as an adult Sunday school teacher, until his health’s recent decline. He was a strong, determined, faithful husband, father, and friend. He enjoyed hunting, guitar playing, bluegrass music, and watching westerns and football on TV.
George is preceded in Eternal Life by his wife, Martha Ann Mann Johnston. He is survived by two daughters, Melissa Gail Pucik (Don), and Melinda Joyce Westmoreland (Johnny), nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren, his sister, Gloria Jean Purvis (Jim), brothers-in-law, Jim Purvis and John T. Saxton, sister-in-law, Joyce Baughman (Dick) and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 24, at the McNeece- Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Fulton with the Rev. Michael Hutton and Rev. Don Pucik officiating. Burial will be in the New Home Cemetery.
His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Visitation will be Monday, January 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, January 24, from 10:00 a.m. until service time at McNeece-Morris Funeral Home.
