Robert Edwin "Fella" Johnston

Mr. Robert Edwin "Fella" Johnston (91) of Newnan, Georgia passed away Thursday, September 6, 2024 at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He was born January 31, 1933 in Palmetto, Georgia to the late William Howard "Pat" Johnston and Ada Florence Chandler Johnston. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Betty Jean Jones Johnston; sisters, Nina Johnston Adams, Patricia Johnston Smith; brother, William Howard "Buddy" Johnston. A lifetime resident of Coweta County, he attended Madras School in his early years and graduated from Newnan High School in 1951. "Fella" married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jean Jones, one month after their high school graduation, building their future together in Newnan. A devoted couple, they were married until she passed away after 64 years of marriage. Proud of his community, "Fella" was an active Board member and Chairman for the local Humana Hospital, a founding member and Board of Trustee for the Heritage School, and the 4th longest standing member at First Baptist Church in Newnan, where he served in many capacities including Deacon, finance Chairman, Training Union Leader for Teens, usher and longtime greeter and supporter on "his" door to welcome members to church. "Fella" was most proud of his relationship with the Bank of Coweta (now Synovus Bank), and was selected as a Board Member Emeritus for his many years of service. Outside of Coweta, he was an instrumental member of the Roosevelt Warm Springs Development Fund Board, serving as treasurer, raising money and aiding students with disabilities to achieve personal independence and successful job placement. He was a stalwart Board Member, and was instrumental in bringing speakers like Chick- fil-a founder Truett Cathy, former Atlanta Brave Marquis Grissom, and 8-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney as speakers for graduation ceremonies at Warm Springs. As an accomplished leader in his family owned and operated business, E, L. Johnston, Inc., those familiar with "Fella" knew his work ethic set him apart from most. In his personal life, as well as his business career, "Fella" practiced "The Golden Rule". He believed in working hard, being generous to those in need, and making each person he met feel important. A true consummate Southern Gentleman, "Fella" loved his family fiercely, his community passionately, and his God humbly. The funeral is Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 2:00 o'clock in the Historic Sanctuary of First Baptist Church Newnan, with visitation and reception in the church fellowship hall following the service. Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com. The family requests memorial contributions to The Wesley Woods Employee Fund, in care of Sharon Edgar, Wesley Woods of Newnan, 110 Edgeworth Road, Newnan, Georgia, 30263 Survivors include sons, Robert Edwin Johnston Jr. (Nan), Robert Higdon Johnston (Rebecca); daughter, Allison Johnston Davis (Barry); grandchildren, Ansley Johnston Hidalgo (Javy), Carly Davis Winstead (Josh), Ashley Davis Boland (Jay), Barry Alexander Davis Jr. (Katelyn), William Chandler Davis, Robert Higdon Johnston Jr., Winfred Coates Johnston; great grandchildren, Sebastian, Annie Glenn, Davis, Mary Margaret "Mae", John Allen, Reeves, Jackson, Caroline, Barry III; sister-in law, Sara Ray Johnston; a host of nieces, nephews, employees, and friends. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Robert Edwin "Fella" Johnston

January 31, 1933 - September 6, 2024