Richard Johnston

The mischievous, wildly funny, and kind Richard “Dick” Johnston departed this earth knowing he was deeply loved and treasured by family and friends. With an ever-present twinkle in his eyes, he shared joy with all he met. 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 R. 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 cryptographer the 8th Air Force 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, and daughters Ann and Susan. Dick was a storyteller extraordinaire, recounting tales of sharing his backyard with the extended family of the magical and tiny George family. The phrase, “Out the back door and down the steps. . .” was a prelude to wonder, especially for his five children and his grandchildren.

His travels sparked a legendary hat collection-featuring everything from a bowler, top hat, solar hat, straw boater, sombrero, to a fez.

Love of music was a gift he shared with his children and grandchildren. He played the clarinet at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, and later mastered bagpipes, drums, spoons, and washboard. He loved everything from Gilbert and Sullivan, to opera and country music, ultimately writing his own country verses. In later years, he found joy in 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.

There will be two opportunities for friends and loved ones to celebrate Dick’s memory. A gathering of friends will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 2:00pm at the Sandy Springs Chapel, 136 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, Georgia. A memorial service will be held in Dick’s hometown at the The Way Methodist Church, 110 Mill St., Woodstock, Georgia, on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 10:30am - 11:30am with a reception to follow until 12:30 pm in the Georgia Dawson Room on the same campus.

In honor of his wife, Brenda’s volunteer efforts and his involvement, donations may be made to The Sandy Springs Society, PO Box 720074, Sandy Springs 30358, or the charity of your choice.