Zola Newell "Mac" McJohnston, 92, passed away quietly in his sleep following a brief illness. The loss of Louise, the love of his life and best friend, this past December left him with a broken heart from which he never recovered.
Newell was born on June 15, 1931 in Georgiana Alabama to Luvonia Mae and John Henry McJohnston. He is survived by his daughters Linda Beaver (Dan) and Karen Diane Sealy. He is also survived by his grandchildren Daniah Rutherford (Dusko Todic), David Beaver, Ryan Bevers, and Lori Richards (Jeremy). Great grandchildren Kayla Rutherford (Charlie Stafford), Alyssa Rutherford and Noah Richards and great great grandson Dutton Stafford.
Newell was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother, son John Wendell McJohnston and daughter Sharon Denise Bevers.
Newell spent his early years on the family farm in Georgiana Alabama. He shared funny stories about life on the farm. During the great depression, his family lost everything when the banks collapsed. So they moved into town to Mobile Alabama where his dad could find work as a carpenter. As a young person, he learned the value of a dollar and importance of a good work ethic. He believed if you were going to do a job then you should do it right. He had lots of funny stories about his job as a paper boy riding a scooter down on the rough Mobile waterfront area. He always had his trusted dog named Butch with him for protection.
In high school he met a silly very talkative girl named Louise Carter. A love story began that lasted almost 73 years. They eloped the night of her high school graduation. Not too long after they were married he joined the navy. He was stationed in Boston during part of his service. Then spent quite a bit of time on board ship. He said he got sea sick every time the ship left port. They had lots of funny stories about winter experiences in Boston. After his military service they returned to Mobile.
Later Newell and Louise moved to California with their young family. They experienced a lot of fun times there while their four kids were growing up. Eventually they decided to move to the Lake Jackson area in the late 60's. When an opportunity to work in Brazil with Dow Chemical arose, they decided to take it. Later his work led them to move to Guantanamo Bay Cuba for several years. Then to Saudi Arabia for many years. They had lots of funny stories about life experiences in an Arab country.
Newell was very gifted with mechanical ability. He could often diagnose problems with turbines and large mechanical equipment just by listening to them run. He was sought out as a consultant after retirement because of his talents and abilities. He was also a great auto mechanic and a carpenter. He could literally build or fix anything.
But, Newell's major focus in his life was his walk as a Christian and his love for his family. He loved the Lord and was at church every Sunday until his health began to fail. He loved his wife, Louise, with all his heart. He loved his kids, grandkids and their families. He had a great sense of humor and was always a source of strength and stability in the family. As we got older, when questions or problems arose we all knew to ask "pawpaw"because he always had a good solution.
Although we will all miss him tremendously, we are so happy that he is finally reunited with the love of his life in heaven. What a joyous reunion that must have been. And we have hope that one day we will all see each other again
A visitation for Zola will be held Friday, May 17, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 101 Brazoswood Dr, Clute, TX 77531. A funeral service will occur Friday, May 17, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 101 Brazoswood Dr, Clute, TX 77531. A graveside service will occur Friday, May 17, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Restwood Memorial Park, 1038 W Plantation Dr, Clute, TX 77531.
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