Johnston, John Anderson

John Anderson Johnston, 76, of Pulaski, Va., died on Monday, November 19, 2012, in the LewisGale Hospital Pulaski. He was born in Marion, Va., on April 28, 1936, to the late Fred and Elizabeth Anderson Johnston.

After graduating from Emory & Henry College in 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia (Jenny) Pruner. They began their marriage in Charlottesville, Va., where John obtained his M.A. in Education at UVA in 1961. They taught school for three years in Norfolk where their son, Bobby, was born.

John accepted the principalship at Newbern and Draper in Pulaski County and the following year he was transferred to Central Elementary where he was principal for 10 years. During these years, John received his doctorate in educational administration from Virginia Tech. John served for many years as state president of Virginia Elementary School Principal’s Association. He was instrumental in developing the plans for Critzer Elementary School where he was principal from 1974 to 1989. He worked in the Finance Department of Pulaski County Schools before retiring in 1991.

John was active in the First Presbyterian Church where he was Sunday School Superintendent, Elder and on the Board of Deacons. In the community, John participated in the Jaycees and Pulaski Elks Lodge #1067. He was on the Pulaski Town Council for many years, and was Mayor for 3 ½ years. He served for many years as the town’s representative on the Public Service Authority Board.

John loved times spent with family and friends especially golfing, VPI/UVA football games, trips and holidays.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years. He is survived by his son, Robert Rhea Johnston and wife, Pennie, of Earlysville, Va.; his sister, Nancy J. Shriver, of Huntsville, Ala.; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his special friend and companion, Becky Waller, and her family. The family is so appreciative of the help and support of Jimmy Chitwood, Jonathan Hooks, E.G. Black, Richard Mabry and Ann Davidson.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 23, 2012, from the Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Melissa McNair-King officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery, Pulaski. Visiting will be held on Friday from the funeral home where the family will receive friends from noon until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1036, Dublin, VA 24084 or to the Pulaski Daily Bread, P.O. Box 824, Pulaski, VA 24301.

Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Inc. Pulaski, Va., 540-980-2600.