Mr. Percy Walker Johnston Jr.

Percy W. Johnston, Jr., a longtime resident of Mobile, AL, age 103 departed this life on Monday, November 4, 2024. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 59 years, Mary Gibson Johnston and by his brother, James B. Johnston, and sister-in-law, Phyllis L. Johnston. He is survived by his sons, Stephen G. Johnston (Carol) and David B. Johnston, by two grandchildren, Jason C. Johnston (Amanda) and Alice J. Parker (Justin), by six great grandchildren, and numerous cherished relatives.

Percy was born on January 8, 1921, in the town of Shubuta, MS, his parents being Dr. and Mrs. Percy W. Johnston.

Following high school graduation in 1937, young Johnston attended the University of Mississippi where he received a Liberal Arts Degree in May 1941. Following Pearl Harbor, Johnston was assigned to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. He served for fours years in the Air Force attaining the rank of Captain. Upon discharge from the service, Johnston attended the University of Virginia School of Law and in October 1947 received a Bachelor of Law Degree. In Law School, Johnston was awarded the Order of the Coif and was a member of Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity.

In January 1948, the Johnstons moved to Mobile, AL. After passing the Alabama Bar, Percy worked for a time as associate in the firm of Johnston, McCall and Johnston. In 1954, he joined the Legal Dept. of Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad Co. as a full-time attorney. A major change occurred in his life in 1972 with the merger of the local railroad with Illinois Central Railroad, Chicago, IL. The Johnstons determined, in October 1972, to relocate to Chicago where the headquarters of the new company was located.

Percy Johnston was elected General Counsel of Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in 1974. Subsequently, in 1980 he was named Senior Vice President-Law of the company. He also served as a director of ICG RR, and as Chairman of the Board of Peoria & Pekin Union Railroad. For several years he was chairman of the Mississippi Railroad Assn., the Illinois Railroad Assn., and was a member of the Legal Affairs Committee, American Railroad Association.

In 1986, with Percy having reached mandatory retirement age, the Johnstons moved back to Mobile, and Percy began what he called the outdoor phase of his life.

Over the years, Percy participated in church and community affairs. He was a member of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church, served on its Administrative Board and was a long-time president of the Mens Forum Class at the church. He was Chairman of the Board of Keep Mobile Beautiful, participated in other civic affairs, and enjoyed golf with friends at the Country Club of Mobile.

Visitation for Percy will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Pine Crest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, with a graveside service immediately following in Pine Crest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dauphin Way United Methodist Church, 1507 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604.