Roy is preceded in death by his parents Roy and Ruth Johnston.
Roy, fondly known as Papa, was born in Hendersonville, NC and created a lifetime of cherished memories. He will be deeply missed for his brilliant mind, funny stories, quick wit, and biting sarcasm. Along with Roy’s love and devotion to his family, he was a railway enthusiast and enjoyed reading, model planes, engines, woodworking, electronics, genealogy, table tennis, word puzzles, and redesigning broken items as well as new items. He held degrees from Mars Hill University and North Carolina State University – Mechanical engineering and Aeronautical engineering. During his Master’s coursework, Roy was recruited by General Electric (GE) for their Design and Production Team in Lynchburg, VA. GE held his position when he was drafted into the U.S. Army for their Transportation Research and Engineering Command. Several years later, their family relocated to Virginia Beach, VA when Roy accepted a civil service position with Naval Sea Combat Systems Engineering Station. After retiring, he shared his experience as a consultant for Raytheon Technologies.
Roy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Martha, and their three children, Roy Eric Johnston and his wife Vyvyenne and her son Robby, Ruth Manlove and her husband Troy and their daughter Sydney, and Lisa Rafter and her husband Steve.
Roy's family will have a private service.
In lieu of flowers, his family kindly requests donations be made in his name to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Mid Atlantic Chapter at 1400 K Street NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005 or by Memorial Donation at www2.jrdf.org
Friends may offer condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com
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