Dr. C. "Bill" William Johnston Jr.

Passed away June 2, 2021 from complications of a stroke. Originally from Morrilton, AR, Bill lived in Clearwater, FL for 64 years. After graduating from dental school at the University of Louisville, he served as a dental officer in the Navy on the USS Coral Sea aircraft carrier. After his service in the Navy, Bill established his own private dental practice in Clearwater in 1957. Bill practiced dentistry at his private practice for 36 years. He was a lifelong outdoorsman and avid fisherman. As well as Calvary Church of Clearwater, he and his wife, Dian, attend First Baptist Church of Crystal River.

After retiring from private practice in 1991, Bill volunteered at the Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP). He saw that there was a great need to help the clients with their dental care. He used his love of dentistry and desire to help others to start the HEP free dental clinic. Bill thought that brighter smiles would lead to brighter futures for his patients. He found his work at HEP to be the most satisfying and rewarding thing that he had ever done. During his 27 years of volunteer dentistry at the free dental clinic, Bill received several humanitarian awards for his service to the community. Most notably, he was honored with the George H.W. Bush Points of Light award.

Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dian Johnston. His two daughters, Paula (Albert) and Julie (Steve). His grandchildren: Cody, Riley, Clay, Carson, Cooper, Diana, Emily and Albert. His great-grandson Bryson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the dental clinic at the Homeless Empowerment

Program, 1120 N. Betty Ln. Clearwater, FL 33755 www.hepempowers.org

Services will be held at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2853 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, FL 33759

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 8 from 5 - 7 pm and Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 9 at 2 pm.