H. Charles (Charlie) Johnston

Unknown - Sep 15th, 2010
  • Birth Date: Unknown
  • Death Date: Sep 15, 2010
  • Funeral Date: Unknown
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Biography: H. Charles Johnston, age 84, died at St. Vincent Hospital September 15, 2010 of pulmonary complications with family and friends in attendance. He was born November 13, 1925 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Howard C. Johnston and Sallie Harton Johnston. Raised in Conway and Little Rock, Charles graduated from Little Rock High School in 1943. He attended Sewanee Military Academy in Tennessee and earned his BA from Hendrix College. A World War II veteran, he saw service in the Philippines and was in Tokyo Bay when General MacArthur accepted the Japanese surrender. His passions included; literature, civil rights, nature, bird-watching, and politics. He was active in the 1950s and 1960s in the civil rights movement. He was also very active in the environmental and conservation movements, playing an instrumental part in preserving the Buffalo River as a free-flowing stream. He loved to canoe, floating the Buffalo and other streams numerous times with family and friends. He was a longtime saving and loan executive, succeeding his father, Howard, as CEO of First Federal of Arkansas. He was proud of the building constructed on his watch. He remained Chairman Emeritus until First Federal of Arkansas closed its doors in 1987. Charles also served as Adjunct Professor of Finance at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. An avid reader, Charles was a longtime member of The Book Club, as was his late father. He was also a regular member of the Friday BBQ Club and the Sunday Motley Crew Lunch Bunch. He was active in his kitchen, being famous particularly for baking bread. Charles is survived by his son, David Howard Johnston; daughter-in-law Teresa; grandson Erich, nephews; Peter and Howard; a niece, Hilarie; cousin, David Newbern M.D., and lifelong friend Naomi May. Charles was preceded in death by his first wife, Mimi; his son, Warren; his second wife, Bonnie; his stepson, Gregg Olen Morden; his brother, Jolyon and his beloved dog, Mia. Charles wished to be cremated. A ceremony will be held by the family and friends at his home in Little Rock on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arkansas Ozark Society, the Democratic Party of Arkansas or the Nature Conservancy. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Condolences(06)
Becky Pruitt
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
David, you, Teresa and Erich are in my thoughts. I always had fun at Aunt Bonnie's house, and Charles was always very indulgent of her great-niece. Your family widened my horizons and I'll cherish memories of all of you and fun times in both Little Rock and Fayetteville.
Laura McCrary Chancey
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I worked with Mr. J back in the 1980's. He was a great man. Had a great wit and was never dull. I remember when his grandson was born and he was so proud. So sorry for your loss.
Susan Edrington
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am keeping David and his family in my thoughts and prayers. I have fond memories of watching Charlie make bread and pancakes when I was a little girl and stayed with Charlie, Bonnie & family when my parents went out-of-town and on other occasions. I have such fond memories of staying out at their house and swinging in the tire and enjoying their pets.
Lisa Ray
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Charlie was a friend of my father, Victor Ray, I am very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Charley Penizx
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I spent numerous weekends and holidays at the Buffalo with Charlie, my parents and siblings, and all of their wonderful liberal and fun-loving friends. They SAVED the Buffalo and philosophized late into the night about the way the world ought to be! I am so privileged to have known this cheerful and wonderful man. Lessons learned: (1) The only real canoes are made of canvas stretched on wood; (2) It's okay to abandon a half full warm can of beer for a full cold one; (3) McCarthy in '68 was better than Humphrey.
Madelyn Terry Payne
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I did not know Charlie well, but I enjoyed seeing him and sharing many dinners with him at the McKelvey's. His conversation was always entertaining and I will miss him.

Madelyn Terry Payne

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