On Friday, October 11, 2024, at the age of 84, Jerry Johnston, of Harrisonburg, LA moved to his heavenly home. Jerry was born October 8, 1940, in Winnsboro, LA.
Jerry led a very full and active life. He began his career as a mortician/ambulance driver for Mulhearn Funeral Home in Winnsboro, LA. After working for many years as a cotton buyer for Massony Cotton Company, he opened his own business, “Johnston Cotton Company”. He enjoyed many years of buying and shipping cotton both locally and abroad. During his tenure in the cotton industry, he made many lifelong friends throughout the United States.
He was instrumental in the Dixie Youth Baseball League in Franklin Parish, serving as its president for many years. He helped to restructure the local ball parks and the league while supporting his grandson’s interest and participation in the game of baseball.
Jerry had many hobbies. He and his wife, Debbie enjoyed raising Brahman Cattle on Little J Ranch in Liddieville, LA. After his retirement from the cotton business, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and canning. He took pride in sharing his produce and canned goods with his friends, family and church members. He was a member and former deacon of Harrisonburg First Baptist Church.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Edna Johnston; his brother, Gary Johnston; son-in-law, Mike Wiggers; and the love of his life, his wife, Debbie Johnston.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters: Julia Gilmore and husband, Gerald, and Karen Johnston. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Mindy Spillers and husband, Colby, Drew Wiggers and wife, Sunny; and Julian Serrato; five great grandsons: Cole Spillers, Braden Spillers, David Michael Wiggers, Joseph Wiggers, and John Luke Wiggers; and great granddaughter, Emma Ruth Wiggers. He is also survived by his brother, Donnie Johnston and wife, Marion.
Funeral services honoring the life of Mr. Johnston were held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Harrisonburg First Baptist Church, Harrisonburg, LA. The family received visitors from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service. Officiating the service were Dr. Philip Caples, Brother Greg Dunn and grandson, Drew Wiggers. Interment followed in the Harrisonburg Cemetery under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Winnsboro, LA.
Honoring Mr. Johnston as pallbearers were Eron Borne, Clay McGuffee, Jeff Pentecost, James Womack, Chase Womack, Cole Spillers, Braden Spillers and David Michael Wiggers.
The family would like to give a special thank you to his friend and caregiver, Tenna Spann and the wonderful staff of Plantation Manor Nursing Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Harrisonburg First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 707, Harrisonburg, LA. 71368.