L.D. Johnston

L.D. Johnston of Covington passed away January 28, 2012, at Riverside Healthcare Center. He was 89 years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Johnston was preceded in death by his daughter, Margie Marie McCart, and his parents, Frank and Bessie (McCulers) Johnston. He joined the Army in July of 1942, and was originally assigned to Fort Meade in Maryland, but was later transferred to Fort Benning in Columbus to attend parachute school. He earned his wings May 29, 1943, with his fifth runway jump. He was transferred to the 11th Airborne Division but later volunteered for the 101st Airborne Division (known during World War II as the "Screaming Eagles"), which was one of two parachute companies that went behind enemy lines hours before the historic attack on Omaha and Utah beaches. Mr. Johnston loved fishing, and for 40 years attended most of the football games for Newton High School. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion, both in Conyers. Mr. Johnston loved spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Eva Nell Johnston of Covington; nephews, Bobby Hamby and his wife, Debra, of Porterdale, John D. Hamby of Hawaii; niece, Donna Aycock of Aikens, SC; cousin, Carolyn Airial of Decatur; grand-nephew, Ashley Hamby, and his wife, Kelly, of Covington.
A Graveside Service for Mr. Johnston will be held at 3:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at Lawnwood Memorial Park with Rev. Dickie Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends at Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, Covington, Tuesday, January 31, from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VFW, VFW Drive, Conyers, GA 30013