David Johnston, 77

Celebrating the Life of

David Johnston

Some people make an impression with grand achievements. Others do it simply by being themselves. David Johnston was one of those people. David loved his family without limits, and if he counted you as a friend, chances are you became family too.

For 31 wonderful years, David adored his wife, Cheri Johnston. There wasn’t much he wouldn’t do for her. In fact, he even packed up and moved to Michigan for two years, which anyone who knew him knows was a true act of love.

David retired from CSX Railroad after a career built on hard work and dedication. While he appreciated the value of a good day’s work, he also knew how to enjoy life.

David believed life was meant to be enjoyed, and nowhere was that more evident than in his love of travel. He embraced the tropical life every chance he got. A colorful floral shirt was practically his signature, and if it had palm trees, flamingos, or anything beach-themed on it, even better. He loved the ocean, warm sunshine, sandy beaches, and the peaceful rhythm of the waves. A margarita, or just about any tropical drink with a little paper umbrella, made the moment complete.

Some of David and Cheri’s happiest memories were made aboard Caribbean cruises. He loved waking up to a new island and ending the day watching the sun disappear over the water.

But David’s love of travel wasn’t limited to the ocean. He and Cheri also made many memorable trips out West, where he found a different kind of beauty. He especially loved Cody, Wyoming, where the wide-open landscapes, rugged mountains, and strong sense of the true American spirit spoke to him.

Music was one of his greatest joys, and Jimmy Buffett was the soundtrack to that carefree lifestyle. A Pirate Looks at Forty and He Went to Paris were among his favorites, and Buffett’s final release, Bubbles Up, was especially meaningful. Whether he was listening to Buffett or strumming a few tunes on his own guitar, David found joy in music and the memories it created with family and friends.

If you knew David, you knew he never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and by the end of it, they’d often feel like an old friend. He had a gift for making people feel welcome. He loved deeply, accepted people as they were, and rarely judged anyone. He believed everyone had a story worth hearing and everyone deserved to be treated with kindness.

Speaking of stories, David loved to tell stories. He could tell one with such confidence and detail that you couldn’t help but listen. Whether every part was completely true… well, that was often left to the imagination. The fun was never in fact-checking. It was in hearing him tell it.

David loved giving people nicknames, often deciding their name should be something entirely different than what it was. Somehow, those names just seemed to stick. His grandchildren knew him simply as “Pepaw,” a title he wore with pride and one that always brought a smile to his face.

And if something caught him by surprise, frustrated him, or simply left him shaking his head, there was a good chance you’d hear one of his favorite expressions: “Cheese and crackers!” It became one of those little things that everyone who loved him will always remember.

Family

David is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Cheri Johnston; his children, Tracey (Tim) Brown and Joseph Johnston; and Cheri’s daughter, Ashley (Chuck) Feit and daughter-in-laws Amy Wagner and Cristin Hart; their grandchildren, Tyler (Sammi) Brown, Madison Brown, Ashley Jonhston, Jesse Johnston, Alan (Caroline) Wagner, Abbie (Jackson) McKaig, Mandy Wagner, Braton (Maddie) Hart; their 8 great grandchildren; and his siblings, Janie (Donald) Andrews, Wesley (Karyl) Johnston and Loren Williams. He was preceded in death by his brother Chuck Johnston; his son, Christopher Johnston; and Cheri’s son, Brandon Wagner.

David leaves behind a family and many friends who will miss his laughter, his music, his stories, and the steady love he gave so freely. As Jimmy Buffett sang in Bubbles Up, “just know that you are loved.” We take comfort in believing that David is at peace, somewhere beyond the horizon where the sun is warm, the ocean is calm, and there’s always room for one more story. By every measure that truly matters, David Johnston lived a life well worth celebrating.

While our hearts are heavy, we smile knowing he would probably want us to share a good story, turn up some Jimmy Buffett, slip on a favorite Hawaiian shirt, raise a tropical drink with an umbrella, and spend time with the people we love.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 30th from 1-4 at the family home located at 2907 Whirlaway Crt., Green Cove Springs. Casual and tropical attire is acceptable.

In place of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate and the Autism Society, https://autismsociety.org/donate/.