Robert "Bob" Martin Johnston

Mr. Robert “Bob” Martin Johnston, 94, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 25, 2025, at his home in Lake City.

Bob’s favorite Bible verse, John 3:16, shined in his blessed, rich, and long life, as shown in his service to God, family, country, and region, and in his many works and interests for which his daughter, Lisa J. Wilson, their whole family, and many friends are grateful.

Bob was born in Evergreen, Alabama, on August 12, 1931. The youngest of eight children, he was the son of Martin and Ruby Johnston. A 1953 graduate of Auburn University (then the Alabama Polytechnic Institute) with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bob served as a Captain in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, moved to Lake City, SC, and retired after 32 years with the Williamsburg County Clemson Extension Service as a county farm agent. With his wife, Evelyn Thomy Johnston, daughter Lisa, and sister-in-law, Alice Thomy, Bob was a dedicated member of St. Philip Catholic Church.

Bob’s services were appreciated by many whom he personally aided. He found much satisfaction in promoting eye care through the Lake City Lions Club, of which he was President, and was honored as Lion of the Year in 2002–2003. His many other duties, appreciations, and awards included: a Commendation from the South Carolina State House of Representatives for agricultural services involving Clemson Extension and 4-Hers in 1987; service as Commander of The American Legion Post 73; and, in 2010, recognition by The American Legion for 50 continuous years of good standing, loyalty, and service.

Like all good farmers, Bob had a fine sense of humor, reflected in honors such as “Alabama Red-Neck World’s Worst Football Forecaster” and a 1991 fishing plaque “for dedicated and outstanding volunteer service in being Dixon’s Paddler.” Bob delighted in offering farming advice for many years on Charlie Walker’s radio show in Kingstree. Early in life, he studied agronomy for a summer at Cornell University, and later he recruited farmers to sell their tobacco for Planters, Growers, and Golden Leaf Warehouse.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Lisa J. Wilson; granddaughter, Evelyn Wilson Gunn (Lucas); great-grandson, Dakota Fraser Wilson; sister, Louise Springer (Tom); and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Thomy Johnston; parents, Martin L. Johnston and Ruby Kelley Johnston; brothers, Byron M. Johnston II, Warren Johnston, J. Marvin Johnston, and Harry L. Johnston; and sisters, Mary Lee Shaver and Elizabeth J. Pickens. Thank you to all caregivers, Willia Mae Henry, Verithia Carson, Mary Hanna, Sharon McNeil, Roberta Bradeley, Patrica G. Alford, Shirley McFadden and Joann Epps.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at St. Philip Catholic Church.

Funeral services with be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at St. Philip Catholic Church. Burial and committal services will follow at Lake City Memorial Park.

Memorials may be given to St. Philip Church, PO Box 399, Lake City, SC 29560.                                                    

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Robert "Bob" Martin Johnston, please visit our Tree Store.