Gary Wayne Johnston

FULL RECORDING OF SERVICE

Major General Gary Wayne Johnston, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 20, 2022, in Alexandria, VA. He led an extraordinary life of leadership, mentorship, and kindness. His love for God, country, and family started in Russellville, Arkansas, where he was born October 21, 1964, to Bonnie Johnston and the late Herman Johnston. Having been raised in a family strong in the Christian faith, Gary surrendered his life to Christ at the age of 10 at Second Baptist Church in Russellville.

During Gary's visit to Russellville for Veterans Day 2021, he expressed gratitude for the influence provided by his parents, teachers and professors, and community leaders for the many positive ways they shaped his life.

Gary was a 1983 graduate of Russellville High School, received a Bachelor of Science from Arkansas Tech University and through Tech's ROTC program received his US ARMY commission in 1987. He earned master's degrees from the US Army War College and the Defense Intelligence College.

Gary loved fishing, football, tennis, bowling, music, rollercoasters, and chocolate. Of utmost importance was his love for God, his family, and his nation.

He is survived by his loving wife, Brigadier General Amy Johnston; his endearing mother Bonnie Johnston, Russellville; and his loving children, daughter Lauren Woodworth (Matt) of Clifton, VA, and sons Blake and Parker Johnston, of Tampa, Fl. He is also warmly remembered by his aunts, Kitty Johnston and Vernice Ramsay, along with many cousins and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Roy and Minnie Johnston; his maternal grandparents, John and Mrs. Stewart; and his father US Army Ret. Chief Warrant Officer 5, Herman Johnston.

Over his career, he served in Command and Staff positions, from on the battlefield platoon level to Army & DoD Major Command levels and deployed in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, JOINT ENDEAVOR, ENDURING FREEDOM, and FREEDOM'S SENTINEL.

He previously commanded at Company, Battalion and Brigade levels, including the 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade; 165th Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion, & A Company, 302d MI Battalion. Gary culminated his career as the Commander, Intelligence and Security Command - a global organization of 17,500 personnel across 40+ countries.

As a General Officer, Gary also served in critical, executive assignments as the Director of Intelligence J2, Special Operations Command and as the Director of Intelligence J2, North Atlantic Treaty Organization -- Resolute Support Mission (Afghanistan). He led Joint and Army enterprise-level intelligence and security operations, enabling executive decisions at theater, combatant command, and national levels. Following his retirement from the Army October 1, 2021, Gary joined several long-time friends and colleagues at Touchstone Futures, where he served as the executive vice president for intelligence, security, and risk. Gary also served on the advisory board for Leyden Solutions.

Throughout his life, he cultivated his passion for mentorship. Gary leaves a legacy of distinguished service and an immeasurable impact on the organizations and people he led.

Gary cared very much about others, especially in the areas of leadership, mentorship and veteran transition. In lieu of flowers, please visit https://www.garywjohnston.life where donations can support these three pillars close to his heart.

Major General Johnston will be interred with full military honors in a graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery February 18, 2022.