Mr. William John Johnston

After graduating from Boston College and Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, Bill began his accounting career with Arthur Andersen. For the past 36 years, he took pride in the business he founded and continued operating until his death, where he provided expertise in business valuations and brokerage, commercial real estate, and financial consulting for many clients.

Bill loved serving the Lord and loved his church immensely. He looked forward every Sunday to greeting the many people who walked through the doors of Summit Church. Sometimes he would enjoy serving so much, he’d forget the service had already started. He had a servant’s heart for the community, especially Backpack Buddies and the food pantry. Bill never met a stranger. He would come home from the grocery store (a daily trip he enjoyed just to see what was new or on sale) and tell his wife about the new friend he had met. Those conversations would typically lead to a prayer request for that individual and sharing one of his wooden crosses. He never left home without carrying several wooden crosses in his pocket. His wooden cross ministry began many years ago and to this day, there are over 1,000 people in Tanzania wearing a wooden cross, delivered each summer by his brother-in-law, Pastor Darryl. During the time he was in ICU, he woke up one day to ask if he had remembered to order more wooden crosses. He needed them to pass out in the hospital. His prayers for others were endless.

Bill and his loving and devoted wife, Deb, enjoyed every summer in Ocracoke. They loved reuniting with friends they had made over the years during 4th of July. Though Bill struggled going this past summer after coming home from the hospital, he continued to touch the hearts of old friends while making new ones.

Peepaw, as he was called, dearly loved his seven grandchildren. He was as proud of them as he was generous and loved continuing many special traditions over the years. No matter their age, he would give them window clings for every holiday throughout the year, a simple way to bring joy, along with the cards he mailed them for each holiday. A favorite tradition was picking out a new snow globe for each grandchild every Christmas. It became such a cherished and humorous tradition, with his daughters often joking about having to store dozens of snow globes throughout the year.

Bill looked so forward to joining his Maker in Heaven. He was surprised God wasn’t ready for him yet, after 3 months in the hospital and rehab earlier in the year. But God had other plans. Bill had a brief time more on this earth to live and love and share his love for Jesus, even returning to church to greet once again, no matter the struggle to see and walk. He walked by faith, not by sight. On August 29, God said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Bill’s vision is back and he is exactly where he wants to be, in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Bill is survived by his wife, Deborah (lovingly called Brat), his daughter Jennapher Johnston Wall (Brad), his bonus daughters Lindsay Weisbrodt (Chad), Abby Dolan (Stephen), and his seven grandchildren, Hailey Wall Sheppard (Pearce), Gracie Wall, Jack Henry Wall, Lily Weisbrodt, Levi Weisbrodt, Carter Dolan, and Caleb Dolan, along with extended family Randy Johnston, his special client and friend Mary, and countless friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents William and Eleanor Johnston, his sister Lynn Stanzlaus and brother-in-law Harold Stanzlaus, and nephew Michael.

Many thanks to the numerous doctors and nurses who were a part of his medical journey since January. And many thanks to Summit Church, Pastor John Muller, his Small Group, and the many friends who supported, encouraged and prayed for him.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

A visitation will be held at Summit Church at Capital Hills, Raleigh, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, immediately followed by a service at 11:00 a.m.

Guests are invited to wear bright colors to honor Bill. He was color blind and loved bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Summit Church at Capital Hills in Raleigh or to Sepsis Alliance in his name.