George Johnston III

George Johnston III passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 16, 1941, he is predeceased by his parents George Johnston, Jr. and Rose Hood Johnston and his two beloved sisters, Rose Johnston McCraney and Joan Johnston Thomas, who shared George’s joy for life and laughter.

George, called Bop by his grandchildren, attended Mountain Brook Elementary School, Choate Rosemary Hall, and Wake Forest University. Shortly before his death, George very proudly accompanied his first grandchild Gray to enroll as a Demon Deacon freshman. After college, George served in the Army as a First Lieutenant and then worked in broadcasting and the printing business.

He is survived by his wife, Annette Newsome Johnston, of 52 years; three daughters, Julie Johnston Lowder (Austin), Hailey Johnston Caldwell (Stewart), and Lynne Johnston Willis (Michael); eight grandchildren, Austin Gray Lowder, Rose LaSalle Lowder, Julia Alan Lowder, Caroline Hood Caldwell, James Stewart Caldwell, Jr., Molly Dobbs Willis, Charlotte Annette Willis, and Sarah Margaret Willis; and nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He particularly enjoyed cooking burgers and watching Alabama football with two great-nephews Mac and Charles Abele.

Those who knew George loved his laugh, his devotion to friends, and his ability to make those around him feel special. His children and grandchildren loved him as a coach, tennis partner, swim buddy, drive instructor, storyteller, and confidante. He was forever their greatest supporter – nonjudgmental and full of joy. His friends were friends for life. They enjoyed weekly tennis matches and almost daily gin games. Bop, you will be so missed.

A service will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at George’s lifelong church, Independent Presbyterian Church, 3100 Highlands Avenue 35205. A private family burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Independent Presbyterian Church Children’s Ministry or to the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Johnston III family.