

Harry was born in Charleston, WV, the son of Harry Lee and Fae Louise Johnston. He grew up in Whitesville, WV and attended Sherman High School. Harry also attended Fork Union Military Academy in 1965-66. Harry graduated from Sherman High School in 1968 after the sudden passing of his father the previous summer. Harry went on to earn a B.A. in Psychology (1975) and an M.A. in Counseling (1977) from Marshall University; in 1991, he received his certificate in Educational Administration from George Mason University.
Harry and Patricia (Pat) Johnston were married 42 years. They moved from Huntington, WV to Stafford, VA in 1989. Harry was Counselor and Director of Guidance at North Stafford High School before being promoted to Assistant Principal at Colonial Forge High School. He later transferred to Stafford High School, and he retired in January, 2016. Throughout his 27-year career, he was respected and admired by students, teachers, and peers. Those closest to him affectionately referred to him as “Mr. J.”
Harry is survived by his loving wife Patricia; daughter Leigh Hall and her husband Ryan Hall (who he loved like a son) of Brooklyn, NY; sister Linda Ballard (Bill) of Jacksonville, AR; and five nephews (David, Greg, Mark, Matthew, and Michael Ballard) living in Arkansas as well as several cousins.
Harry was very proud of his participation in Bikecentennial ‘76 where he rode his bicycle 4,500 miles coast to coast in 93 days. He was a walking encyclopedia of automotive knowledge who was always happy to advise and help others with anything car-related. Harry enjoyed reading, sci-fi movies, classic rock music, history (especially WWII), technology, and learning how things work (especially classic cars and Apple computers.) In addition to family members who preceded Harry in death, he joins beloved pets (eight dogs and eight cats) in Heaven. He was an adoring husband and father whose highest priority was the well-being of his family. During his final moments, his utmost concern was reassuring his wife and daughter with his last words, “I’m okay.”
The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 5th at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, Stafford Chapel from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., with a graveside service to follow nearby in Stafford Memorial Park at 2:30 p.m. The graveside service may be viewed at https://zoom.us/j/94842632816?pwd=RkJWS2NIWXcwTG04VXl1QVZZT3JOdz09 (pw: Harry)
For everyone’s safety, the family requests that those attending the indoor visitation wear KN95 masks (which will be provided).
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Harry’s name to the American Cancer Society or ASPCA.
Online condolences and links to virtual services are available at www.mullinsthompsonstafford.com.
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