Lester “Frank” Johnston– a native and current resident of Mobile, Alabama born April 8, 1956, passed quietly into eternity June 16, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Frank had many roles during his brief 62 years here on earth. He was a loving husband, daddy, granddaddy, brother, friend, and coach. The one role he was most proud of was that of son of the King of kings – our Lord, Jesus Christ. Frank lived his life with the desire to serve and share his faith, finding great comfort in knowing God would not leave, nor forsake him – this allowed him to be strong and courageous.
As a 1974 graduate of Murphy High School, Frank went onto work a thirty-six-year career with Coca-Cola Bottling Company until cancer forced him into early retirement. While he had a great passion for his time at Coke, it was extracurricular activities that brought joy, laughter, and mentorship to not only children but their families as well as creating lifelong friendships. “Coach Frank” who served as president of Boykin Park, was better known as the “cork-ball master.” Using an instrument from another passion, a simple fishing cork, Frank helped many kids improve their batting skills. “Floundering Frank” loved time on the water, in a boat, on a dock, in the sand – fishing was always a grand adventure. Frank was an active and beloved member of Family Ministries Center (FMC) in Fairhope, Alabama.
This beautiful, kind and loving soul was predeceased by his mother, Evelyn Skipper Crow, his father, James William Johnston and his brother, James Terry Johnston. Frank is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Joyce Irby Johnston. His children and their families include; Son – “Lester” Frank Johnston, Jr and Kristy Glenn, with grands Mason, Aaron, Tanner and Whitney; Daughter – Ashley Elizabeth and Matt Henderson, grands Tiffany, Scott, Christina, Matthew (Ally), Destiny, Garrett, Lily, Jaxon, Charley and Maverick (plus five great-grands with another on the way); Ollie William Johnston and grands, Kamron, Ollie, Jr and Breanna; daughter – Tracey D. Thomas and grands Madison and Brayden. His siblings, William Derry (Gina) Johnston, Cynthia Johnston Spradlin, Audie (Jerry) Jones, Michael “David” (Theresa) Johnston. Frank is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, great friends and a special young man he loved as like a son, Archie Chapman.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 20, 2018, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. The service will be Thursday, June 21, 2018, at 10:00 AM from the Chapel of Pine Crest Funeral Home, 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, Alabama 36605. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery.
Ministering in prayer and song to all who loved and grieve for Frank will be Pastors Wendell and Ann Rowan. Active and honorary pallbearers will include Frank’s grandsons and nephew, Mark Benefield. Family and friends will share a meal at Meadowlake Baptist Church Family Center, 8075 Three Notch Rd, Mobile, Alabama following interment.
