Willis Orlando Johnston's Obituary
Mr. Johnston passed away Sunday, June 23, 2013 in Sacramento, CA. A long time resident of North Highlands, CA, he was 91 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Mamie B. Johnston. He is also survived by his son Steven R. Johnston, grandchildren, Kevin Johnston and Kim Gagner, Christine Ash and Anna Vieira ,great grandchildren, Noah Ash and Ivy Gagner. He is preceded in death by his son Willis Orlando Johnston, Jr. Friends are welcome for visitation, Thursday, June, 27, 2013 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and are respectfully invited to attend the Graveside Service, Friday, June 28, 2013 at 10:00 am both held at Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes, 4701 Marysville Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95838. How do you begin to put into word what it was like to have Willis O. Johnston as your Grandpa? He poured is heart into everything he did. Whether it was making a play wooden stove for his grandchildren, having fun with his family, baiting our fishing hooks, showing us how to properly flush the motor home latrine, he did it with love. There are so many wonderful memories; teaching us how to water ski, putting on his Santa hat to pass out Christmas gifts, taking us ice skating, showing us his secret swimming hole (the Jacuzzi), the cabin, telling us stories about growing up in Hollywood and the great depression.
We are so lucky to have such great memories of our Grandpa Johnston. We remember riding water slides at the pool and making a beaver damn while camping. Of course there was the trips to Taco Bell after camping where we would be allowed two items off the $0.59 menu. During our week long Christmas vacation stays with Grandpa he would always take us shopping at our favorite store the 99¢ Warehouse and we would make a wood craft project with him using all his tools, which also includes making our Awana Grand Prix cars. We are grateful that he always made it to every event and function to see us participate and cheer us on. We will always remember some of his favorite phrases like “fiddle sticks,” “hotsy totsy” and “criminey”. As we got older Grandpa would take us to the Jazz Jubilee and take us all out to lunch and the Spaghetti Factory. Another family tradition started by Grandpa was the annual Bingo game at Thanksgiving and Christmas in which Grandpa would be the Bingo caller. Grandpa is loved and will be missed very much by all of us.
Willis welcomed me into the family and always treated me like he was my grandfather. We shared a special bond as veterans, and I’ll miss him.
Willis was a man full of life. I loved the way he embrace the love of the Lord, his family, and his friends. He was my favorite fishing buddy. We always caught the big ones, and had fun doing it. He was a great father figure, and friend. I will miss him.
When Grandpa dedicated himself to something, it was 100% and it was for life. Grandpa was married to his loving wife Mamie B. Johnston for over 60 years. If you had Willis Johnston by your side it was forever.
What did it mean to have Willis O. Johnston as your Grandpa? It meant EVERTHING and we are so grateful for this lifetime of memories.
We all love you so much, Grandpa.
What’s your fondest memory of Willis?
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Share a story where Willis' kindness touched your heart.
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