Lawrence Dewey Johnston

Lawrence D. Johnston was born on January 9, 1943, and passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2026- on his 83rd birthday. He left this world the same way he lived in it: quietly, on his own terms, listening to the rain with his loyal dog by his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ida Mae Johnston; his sister, Gail Shelmadine; and his brother, Jerry Johnston.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Barbara Johnston; his daughters, Jennifer Johnston Langley and Amy Johnston Herrera (Diego); his grandchildren, Blakeleigh Lunceford (Austin) and Tristin Railey; his sister, Patty Lawson; a host of nieces and nephews; many dear friends; and his loyal companion, Moo.

Lawrence was a good man- the kind you wanted as a neighbor and a friend, and the kind we're seeing less of as time goes by. A man of few words, he was steady and quiet, speaking only when there was something worth saying. When he did speak, he was direct and you always knew exactly where you stood. An outdoorsman to the core, he loved the woods and the river, hunting, fishing, and finding his peace in places that didn’t ask much and gave back plenty. When he wasn’t there, you could often find him in his garden, working the soil the same way he worked everything else- patiently, by hand, and without hurry or show. When the work was done, he’d settle into his swing for a nap and let the day take its time. He had a soft spot for animals and critters of all kinds, and they seemed to know it, often finding their way to him naturally on their own. He believed in taking care of things himself and taught his family to hunt, fish, and respect the land- partly because he loved it, and partly because that’s how poor people got by. A lifelong tinkerer, he was always looking for a job to do, even in his worst and final days. His building- lined with drawers, bins, and jars screwed into place over time- was his sanctuary, and he wanted nothing more than to be able to get in there and piddle with something. Handy and resourceful, he built what was needed, fixed what was broken, and cleared whatever stood in the way, often without saying a word. His door stayed open, and family had a place- no matter how hard or difficult things got. He never sought attention or praise; he was content with a simple life, a covered porch, a steady routine, and the people he loved popping in and out to help him pass the time.

A celebration of life visitation will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 11:30am to 1:30pm followed by a few words shared in his memory by his dear friend, Jerry Short.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Black Warrior Riverkeeper in honor of his deep love of the river, the woods, and the quiet places where he felt most at home: https://blackwarriorriver.org/donate/.

Patterson Forest Grove Funeral Home is honored to serve the Johnston family during their time of bereavement. Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared at www.pattersonfuneralhomes.com.

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