Joseph ‘Joe’ Hulon Johnston, Sr.
Joseph “Joe” Hulon Johnston, Sr., age 87, passed away Thursday, April 8, 2021, at Abbey Hospice in Social Circle.
Joe Johnston was born on April 9, 1933 in Monticello to the late Robert Bryant Johnston, Sr. and Mattie Floy Harrell Johnston. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Kitty Mae Lee Johnston; and brothers and sisters, Robert B. Johnston, Jr., Julia Whitten Johnston, John Wright Johnston and Roy Talmadge Johnston.
Joe served in the U. S. Air Force during the 1950’s and was stationed in North Africa, England and Orlando, Fla. where he met and married the late Kitty Lee on July 1, 1955. He moved back to Jasper County in 1970 and worked in construction for a few years. He retired from Feldspar in 1984 where he worked for over 10 years. He enjoyed being a hay farmer most of all.
Joe was a founding member of Piedmont Fire and Jasper County Rescue and an assistant director to the Jasper County Emergency Management. He received a plaque for Citizen Volunteer of the Year for Outstanding Service in the field of Emergency Management in 1998. He received a U S. flag that was flown at the State Capital of Georgia on October 27, 2004 in honor of his service with the Piedmont Fire Department. He was a former member of Smithboro Baptist Church.
Joe enjoyed hunting dogs and had several that he used for raccoons, rabbits and squirrels. He enjoyed fishing and deer hunting. He enjoyed stock car racing and was a featured winner at the Orlando International Speedway.
His face would light up when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came for visits.
He is survived by his sons, Joey (Judy) Johnston of Gainesville and David (Wendy) Johnston of Jackson; grandchildren, Jody Johnston, Justin (Courtney) Johnston, Christian Johnston and Jeremy (Peggy) Johnston; great-grandchildren, Makayla Johnston, Logan Johnston, Audrey Johnston, Skylar Johnston and Rylee Johnston; and sister, Cora Elizabeth “Betty” Lucas of Jeffersonville; and a number of nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m., Saturday, April 10, 2021, at Jordan Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at 2 p.m., at Smithboro Baptist Church. Pastor Richard Culpepper and Rev. Ed Westbrook will officiate.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers donations be made to Smithboro Baptist Church, 314 Smithboro Church Road, Monticello, Georgia 31064.
Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.