Obituary – J. Fred Johnston
Monday, July 27, 2020

J. Fred Johnston, age 86, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020. He was born September 23, 1933 in Loretto, TN. A native of Lawrence County, he retired from Murray Ohio after 32 years. He served others throughout his life, as a Life Member of Tennessee Walking Horse Association and Racking Horse Breeders Association of America and a member of Pulaski Street Church of Christ, where one of his greatest honors was serving as an Elder for over 30 years. He was a retired referee from TSSAA Basketball Association. He also served his community as County Commissioner and his country honorably in the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence Johnston and Viola Littrell Johnston, and three sisters: Bernice Johnston Hartsfield, Bertha Mae Johnston, and Martha Ann Johnston. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara Casteel Johnston; two sons, Jeffrey G. Johnston (Sandy) of Ethridge and Gregory W. Johnston (Vickie) of Lawrenceburg; grandchildren Jared Johnston (Martha); Katelyn Johnston Parish (Tyler); Jennie Johnston Sutton (Kelby); and J Zachary Johnston (Allie), all of Lawrenceburg; great grandchildren Jenna Ann Johnston; Edy Quinn Johnston; Riggins Guy Johnston; Adeline Ruth Sutton; Lucie Ann Sutton; Taylor Kate Parish; and Colt Whitaker Parish; one sister Lurene Olive (Killen, AL); brother and sister-in-law Mary and Eddie Casteel of Lawrenceburg; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are: Olen Springer, Nicky Hartsfield, Johnny McGee, Ronnie Hartsfield, Kelby Sutton, Tyler Parish, and Eddy Casteel.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and American Parkinson Disease Association.
Funeral services are handled by Neal Funeral Home. Graveside service with military honors will be held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery at 1:00PM on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, with Jacob Evans officiating.
More Stories |
-
Attention Trail Pleasure Trainers, you don’t want to miss this! A monetary incentive has been added to the Riders’ Cup Trail Pleasure class at the FAST Spring Showcase that will be held April 23-25, 2026, in Cooper Steel Arena.
Read More
-
RWC & WC Mark Zone was humanely laid to rest on April 7, 2026, due to complications of Equine Enteritis. The 20-year-old stallion was owned and loved by Lora Lawrence of Jackson, Tennessee, since June of 2007.
Read More
-
The Cornersville Lions Club Horse show is proud to add class 1A. Fine Harness, to their schedule. The show will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Bobby McDaniel Horse Show arena in Cornersville, Tennessee.
Read More
-
William Lackey Wadsworth Jr., 89, affectionately known as "Sonny," passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, at his home in Hernando, Mississippi, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 29, 1937, in Wilson, Arkansas, William lived a life marked by dedication, adventure.
Read More
-
The Mid-South Walking Horse Association will host their annual Charity Horse Show on May 2, 2026, and are thrilled to announce that they will provide the following incentives for Trainers participating in their event.
Read More
-
Mr. John L. Robbins, 96, of Cookeville, passed away at his residence on April 9th 2026 after an extended illness.
Read More
-
Read More
-
Gerald Eugene Campbell, “Squirrely,” was born July 20, 1943, in Alabama and passed away April 8, 2026, at the age of 82. Gerald was a devoted and well-known presence to many, remembered with deep respect for the life he lived and the people he valued.
Read More
-
Chris Lea Chandler Brantley, age 72, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, after a four-year battle with breast cancer.
Read More
-
TWHBEA is proud to announce that Emily Woodruff has accepted the role of Youth Coordinator with the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association.
Read More
|