Robert Johnston Obituary

Robert (Bob) A. Johnston, age 89, departed this world for his eternal home in Heaven, Thursday, December 14, 2023.

Bob was born to Sally Mae and Joseph B. Johnston, November 4, 1934, in Atlanta, Georgia, where he grew up in the downtown area with his beloved family. He attended Bass High School there, and until recently, attended their class reunion every year.

In his senior year, he tested for and received a full Navy scholarship to any one of 52 colleges/universities. He chose Georgia Tech to remain close to his family.

At only nineteen, he married his first love, Suzanne (Sue) Gilbert Johnston. After graduating in Industrial Engineering, he served three years as an officer in the U.S. Navy.

In 1959, he accepted a job with Eastman Kodak Company. He worked in Sales and Marketing and made lifelong friends there, retiring after 34 years.

Bob and Sue were instrumental in founding CHAC, the Colonial Heights Athletic Commission, expanding the opportunity for all kids to play local sports.

When they were only 42 years old, he lost Sue suddenly to a heart attack, leaving him with three teenage children, Beth, Bobby, and Margaret. He became a very devoted Christian at that time. Later that same year, he married Rosemary (Rosie) Somer of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She had also been a "late bloomer" Christian, and they began to love and serve the Lord together, blending the two families, including her one son, Frank,10 years old.

Bob became very active in church and in the pro-life movement and wrote many letters to the editor sharing his Christian convictions. Bob and Rosie moved from Colonial Heights to Texas for two years with Eastman. Upon returning to Tennessee, they found their home in Fall Branch, where they have lived since 1985. He loved their six acres of big, old trees, and being out in the country.

Music was a huge part of Bob's life. He played the piano beautifully by ear. He had a wonderful singing voice and performed many solos in churches, weddings, and funerals. He and Rosie loved to sing together in harmony, and he sang with her a little even in the last week of his life.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Rosie; children, Elizabeth Johnston Jones (Mike), Bobby Johnston, Margaret Johnston Strickler, and Frank Somer (Lizette); also dearly beloved grandchildren: Rachel Strickler Lyons (Jason), Matthew Jones (Jeanette), Ryan Jones, Jimmy Strickler (Norma), and Katie Somer; as well as five great and two great-great grands; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

We all cherish the memory of this wonderful, kind man.

The family will receive friends from 2:30 pm until 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 30, 2023, in the Ministry Center of Colonial Heights United Methodist Church.

A Memorial Service will follow with Pastor Steven Hopkins officiating.

A Military Inurnment Service will be conducted by the American Legion Hammond Post #3 and Gate City Post #265 at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Oak Hill Memorial Park in the Garden of the Good Shepherd.

The care of Robert (Bob) A. Johnston and his family has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.