Harry Lynn Johnston

Harry Lynn Johnston, 85, of Hiawassee, Georgia, formerly of Atlanta, died May 30,2009, after a long struggle with Parkinson?s Disease. He was a loving father and husband who cared greatly for his family, friends and church. Harry was a true southern gentleman. He faithfully served his church and his God throughout his life. He was a native of Evergreen, Alabama, where he grew up in a family of ten, with four brothers and three sisters. He graduated from Evergreen High School in 1942 and soon enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was called to service and finished flight school serving from 1943 to 1945. He was honorably discharged from service after the War as a Second Lieutenant. He returned to school under the GI Bill and received a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama in 1948. He began working with Westinghouse Electrical Corporation in 1948, and grew in the company while living in Pittsburg PA, Buffalo, NY, Sharon, PA, Cleveland, OH, and New Orleans, LA. In 1952, while in New Orleans, he met Frances Watts, whom he married in 1953. The couple moved to and lived in Atlanta from 1955 to 1959, before moving to Birmingham, Alabama. While in Birmingham, he became active in his church, Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, where he served as a Trustee and several terms as a Deacon. The family moved to Atlanta in 1971 where he became active in Wieuca Road Baptist Church and served several terms as a Deacon. In 1986, he retired from Westinghouse after 38 years of work and service. In 1998, Harry and Frances moved to East Cobb Marietta and became members of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church until 2005. The couple then moved to Hiawassee, Georgia, in 2005 and became members of McConnell Memorial Baptist Church. Harry was diagnosed with Parkinson?s Disease in 2004, which he responded with courage and dignity, never giving in or feeling sorry for himself because of his affliction.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents Martin Lee and Ruby Kelly Johnston, and one of his brothers, Marvin Johnston. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Frances Johnston of Hiawassee, Georgia; his daughter and son-in-law Joy and Chris Cates, Atlanta, Georgia; his son and daughter-in-law Mark and Helene Johnston, Atlanta, Georgia; and his daughter and son-in-law Janet and Chip Shively, Hayesville North Carolina. He will be greatly missed by his 10 grandchildren and their wives, Nathaniel and Eleanor Cates; Andrew and Brooke Cates; Caroline Cates, Taylor Johnston, Chandler Johnston, Bailey Johnston, Watts Johnston, Jonathan Shively, Austin Shively, and Kaitlyn Shively. He is also survived by three living brothers, Byron Johnston, Evergreen, Alabama; Warren Johnston, Evergreen, Alabama; Mary Lee Shaver, Evergreen, Alabama; Louis Springer, Edmond, Oklahoma; Robert Johnston, Lake City, South Carolina; Elizabeth Pickens, Mobile, Alabama; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Harry?s warmth and smile will be missed by many but his family rejoices because they know he is now released from the body that bound him; and he is now with his Heavenly Father. Much gratitude is expressed by the family to the many friends and caregivers that visited Harry routinely during his last years while he struggled with his crippling disease. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in memory of Harry to McConnell Memorial Baptist Church or Regency Hospice of Hiawassee. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at McConnell Baptist Church for family and friends on Monday, June 1st. The family will receive friends at Cochran Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Sunday, May 31st..