Johnston, Wilford Pharr

Wilford Pharr (Bill) Johnston, 94, formally of Pearisburg, Virginia died December 3, 2018 at the Veterans Care Center in Salem, Virginia. Bill was born August 1924 in Ronceverte, West Virginia a son of the late Frank and Lillian Pharr Johnston. He was also proceeded in death by a brother and sister-in-law John Joseph and Dorothy M. Johnston; a sister and brother-in-law Suzanne J. and Leon Lewis.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Abell Johnston of 61 years, his sons Frank K. Johnston of Roanoke and Scott A. and Michelle G. with their children Sullins A., Eliza S. and Maverick K. Johnston of Daleville.

Bill grew up in Hillsboro, West Virginia and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1942. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Navy. He went to West Virginia University on the G.I. Bill earning his BS degree in Electrical Engineering in 1950. He worked for Celanese in Narrows, Virginia from 1950 until his retirement in 1989, returning several times to Celanese as a consultant.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, December 7, 2018 at 2pm at the Givens Funeral Chapel in Pearisburg with the Rev. officiating, interment will follow in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. Family will receive friends one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers the family request gifts be made to the Giles County Lifesaving and Rescue Squad or the Roanoke Rescue Mission. Online condolences can be sent to the family at givensfuneralhome.com.