The Reverend Edward F. Johnston, Jr. age 73 of Topsail Beach, NC, formally of Wallace, NC, died Thursday, January 10, 2013 at his residence.  A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel, 1040 S. Anderson Blvd in Topsail Beach, NC conducted by Dr. Bill Hawkins.

He is survived by two sons, Edward Franklin Johnston, III of New York, NY, and Stewart Butler Johnston and wife Sara Jo of Topsail Beach, NC, one sister, Dotsie Johnston Caproni and husband C.J. of Wallace, NC, one grandson, Jackson Stewart Johnston of Topsail Beach, NC, two nieces, Sue Ellen Cottle and husband Herbie of Rose Hill, NC, and Mary Ann Cutler and husband Michael of Pantego, NC, one great nephew and three great nieces.  The Mother of his two sons is Ms. Elizabeth A. Stewart of Clinton, NC.

Mr. Johnston was born on March 19, 1939 in Wallace, NC. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. Johnston, Sr.  He was a graduate of Wallace High School in 1957, followed by Davidson College (AB 1961), Union Theological Seminary (BD 1964), and University of Virginia (MA 1980). He was ordained as a Minister in the Presbyterian Church USA in 1964. During his career he served as the Minister of Cove Presbyterian Church of Covesville, VA, Greenville Presbyterian Church of Donalds, SC, Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church of Clinton, NC and First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, MS.

During this time, he also served as Moderator of Wilmington Presbytery, was the Fraternal Representative of the Presbyterian Church USA to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and was honored to be Minister Emeritus of the First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, MS and Pastor Emeritus of Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church of Clinton, NC.

Following a stroke and heart attack that ended his distinguished career as a Senior Minister of the Presbyterian Church in 1981, he retired to Topsail Beach, NC where he resided until he passed.  A true Southern gentleman, superb father, man of the cloth, and a person of excellent character, he was equally as loved by all as he will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel Building Fund, 1040 S. Anderson Blvd.  Topsail Beach, NC  28445 and the Foundation for Hospice, 3391 Henderson Drive Ext., Jacksonville, NC  28546.