William "Bill" Johnston, Jr., age 80, of Greenwood, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025.

Bill was born in Norman, Oklahoma, at the Naval Air Station on December 30, 1944, and moved back to Greenwood soon after his birth. He grew up in Greenwood and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1963. After attending Mississippi Delta Junior College, he joined the United States Navy, where he proudly served in the Dental Corps. Following his military service, he continued his education and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi.

In 1973, he returned to Greenwood and began a long and meaningful career in life insurance, representing Lamar Life Insurance Company, a Mississippi-based firm, for much of his professional life. With the exception of his years away for college and military service, Bill remained a lifelong resident of Greenwood, deeply devoted to his community and state.

Bill was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood for over 50 years, where he served as a Deacon and sang joyfully in the church choir. He was active in many civic organizations throughout his life, including the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge, and the American Legion. He also played a key role getting Main Street Greenwood started.  Most recently, he had the honor of giving the name to Rail Spike Park, a railway corridor transformed into a trail for pedestrians and cyclists. His service and leadership reflected his deep pride in Mississippi and, especially, Greenwood.

He will be remembered for his genuine warmth, storytelling, and his remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went—he truly never met a stranger. Above all, he cherished his family, and his pride and love for his children and grandchildren were boundless.

Bill is survived by his two children, Christine Polk of Clinton, MS, and Al Johnston (Aubrie) of Nashville, TN; his four grandchildren, Will Polk, Sarah Polk, Alden Johnston and Ivadell Johnston; his aunt, Inez Goff Parsell of Brevard, NC; as well as many cousins and friends, all of whom he cherished. His last two years were made brighter and more comfortable through the compassionate care of Michael Castle and Khiyee Robinson

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 2, at 2 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Greenwood. Visitation will be held from 12 pm until service time in the church parlor. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Wilson and Knight funeral home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 300 Main St, Greenwood, MS 38930. An online guestbook may be signed at www.wilsonandknight.com