Julian Armour Johnston Jr.

WINTER HAVEN - Julian A. Johnston, Jr., 85, of Winter Haven, passed away November 13, 2010 due to heart failure.

Mr. Johnston was born in 1925 in Winter Haven and resided here his entire life as a member of one of Florida's oldest pioneer families. He graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1943 and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Emory University in 1948. Mr. Johnston was a life-long member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 1948 he married his loving wife, Elizabeth Iserhardt, from Lakeland, FL. Mr. Johnston was an Eagle Scout and a Second Lieutenant serving our Country as a Pilot and Air Instructor in the Army Air Corps during World War II. In 1954, he entered the real estate business specializing in citrus groves, acreage and development properties. Mr. Johnston was a founder in establishing the Multiple Listing Service for the real estate industry in the State of Florida. In 1962, Mr. Johnston partnered with four other local Realtors to co-found Town & Country Real Estate of Winter Haven. He was the first Polk County Realtor to receive the Accredited Farm and Land Broker designation and served on the Board of Governors of the National Association of Farm and Land Institute. For over 50 years Mr. Johnston served on various local, state and national Boards working to ensure the success of the industry and received numerous awards and recognitions on every level, some of which include: Realtor of the Year, Realtor of the Decade, Florida Land Broker of the Year by the Florida Association of Realtors, and the Medal of Service from the National Association of Realtors Omega Tau Rho. Mr. Johnston served as President of the Winter Haven Board of Realtors, State President of the National Institute of Farm and Land Brokers, Commissioner on the Canal Commission for Winter Haven, past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #1672, President of the Winter Haven Board of Realtors, and President of the Orange Belt Touchdown Club. In addition he was a citrus grower, real estate developer, a life-long member of Elks Lodge #1672, the American Legion, the Florida Club, a past member of the Lake Region Yacht & Country Club and a member of Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church. Mr. Johnston was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and family.

Mr. Johnston is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Elizabeth; his son, J. Armour Johnston, III of Winter Haven; daughters Diane (William) Slaybaugh of Winter Haven, and Patricia (Rodney) Chauncey of Winter Haven; grandchildren Kristian Slaybaugh of Clearwater, FL, Amanda Johnston of Leesville, LA, and Ashley Johnston of Orlando, and three great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 17th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Winter Haven with a Memorial Service on Thursday, November 18th at 2:00 p.m. Private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Elks #1672 Scholarship Fund, 332 Avenue B, S.W., Winter Haven, FL 33880, the Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823, or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ott-laughlin.com