Fulton "Perry" Johnston, 84 of Allen, Texas passed away on February 21, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on November 8, 1939, in Kilgore, TX, to Roy Fulton Johnston and Okalona James Johnston, Perry grew up in Kilgore, where he would meet his lifelong love, Carolyn Robertson during their high school years. Together, they embarked on a journey that led them through college at North Texas State and into a life filled with love, family, and business success.
After college, Perry and Carolyn started their family, while Perry carved out a successful career as an area manager in the insurance business in Wichita Falls, Texas. In 1972, an opportunity to join the family oilfield services business, Johnston-Lawrence Company, prompted a move back to Kilgore, where Perry served as President for many years. Perry also founded Johnston Supply, further cementing his legacy in the business community.
Perry’s commitment to service reached far beyond his career, deeply touching both his community and his spiritual life. A dedicated member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, he led as both Chairman of the Board and Pastor-Parish Committee. His leadership extended to the financial sector as a member of the Board of Directors at Allied Citizens Bank, and to the local business community by serving on the Board of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, as President of the Kilgore High School Football Booster Club, he demonstrated his passion for local sports and youth. In every role, Perry exemplified a spirit of service and leadership, making a lasting impact on those around him.
He was passionate about the outdoors, spending time boating, hunting, and golfing he shared generously with family and friends. Perry was a fixture on the waters of Lake Cherokee, Lake ‘O the Pines, and Lake Ouachita in Arkansas, where he created countless cherished memories. He spent many hunting seasons at Chapman Ranch near Avery, TX where he passed his love for deer hunting down to his sons and grandsons. Golf was more than a pastime; it was a way of life for Perry, who ensured that the game became a bonding activity for the whole family.
Perry's military service in the Navy Reserves during the Cuban Missile Crisis exemplified his commitment to his country, a period of his life that instilled in him a sense of duty and resilience.
Affectionately known as “E-Daddy” by his grandchildren, Perry’s legacy of love, leadership, and laughter lives on through his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carolyn; daughter, Teresa Kercher and son-in-law, Andrew of Plano; son, Bryan Johnston and daughter-in-law, Tiffany of Kilgore; son, Jeff Johnston and daughter-in-law, Erin of Lucas; grandchildren, Kaitlan Kercher of Dallas, Courtney Cano and her husband, Christian of Richardson, Alexis Bennett and her husband, Wade of Fort Worth, Colby Santora and her husband, Jordan of Richardson, Dr. Jack Johnston of Longview, and Noble and Pike Johnston of Lucas; great grandchildren, Knox, Miles, and Perri Santora, Beau and Blake Bennett and Camille Cano; his sister, Judy Hughes and husband, John of Helotes; and several nieces and nephews.
Perry’s life was a testament to the values of family, faith, and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but remembered for the indelible mark he left on the hearts of his family and the many lives he touched.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 1, 2024 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service.
If you wish to honor Perry’s memory, you may send flowers or make a donation to the Gladney Center for Adoption.