Richard Johnston Sr.

Richard F. Johnston, Sr., 81, of Columbus, MS, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice in Tupelo, MS. A memorial service will be on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Authentic Church.

Richard was born on February 20, 1942, to the late Edgar Wade Johnston and Ellie Dee Clayton Johnston. He was a graduate of Nettleton High School, where he was active in many sports. After graduating from high school, he went to work with his dad at Diviney Construction Company in Columbus and later at Bell Telephone Company, where he retired many years later.

Richard’s childhood membership was at Pentecostal Church in Nettleton and, later in life, became a member of 1st Pentecostal Church in Columbus, now known as Authentic Church, pastored by Bro. Steve Blaylock.

In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Maggie Pearl; daughter, Deborah Johnston; son, Robert Johnston; brother, Bennie Wade Johnston; and sisters, Ruth Tubb and Carol Andrews.

Richard is survived by his son, Richard, Jr. (Karen); daughter, Cindy Lynch; daughter-in-law, Lana Johnston; sisters, Jo Moore (Murry) of Tupelo, Sara Prout (Will) of Saltillo and Patsy Davis (Jack) of Amory; grandchildren, Stephen, Samantha, Katie and Karigan; and great-grandchildren, Kayden, Landon, MacKenzie, Madison and Riley Kate.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Pioneers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.