Sonny H. Johnston

November 7, 1942 - August 4, 2014

Mr. James H. "Sonny" Johnston, age 71 of Columbia, passed away Monday, August 04, 2014 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday morning at 10:00 AM from the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home, officiated by Terry Peery. Burial will follow with military honors provided by the American Legion Post #19 in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. James was born November 7, 1942 in Jacksonville, FL and was the son of the late James H. and Alene Vernette Elleman Johnston. Above all, James was a Christian. He fulfilled his faith as a member of the Baptist church. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Sonny made a career of serving others. Following his military enlistment, he served for three years as a policeman for the Mt. Pleasant Police Department before beginning his 24-year career with the Maury County Sheriff's Department. His last position was as Chief of Police for the City of Cornersville Police Department from 1998 until 2001. As long as his health allowed he was an active member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, VFW, F.O.P. and the American Legion. He enjoyed collecting and studying Confederate war items as well as NASCAR and other sports memorabilia. James was always happy and outgoing, enjoying any opportunity to socialize with those around him. In the quiet of his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and their precious dog, Lucy. His loving, caring and outgoing spirit will be missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife: Gayle Melton Johnston of Columbia; two sons: James Johnston and John Johnston of Ardmore, AL; a daughter: Kimber Johnston; 3 brothers-in-law: Mark (Debbie) Melton of Hohenwald, Gordon (Sandy) Melton of Columbia and Fred (Kimberly) Melton of Columbia; a sister-in-law: Loydene (Mark) Stooksbury of Columbia; 2 brothers: Dennis and Michael Johnston; 6 sisters: Bettie Cochran, Barbara Hennessey, Day McCrannie, Deborah Musselwhite, Doris Brown and Judy Johnston; as well as two grandchildren and nine nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Mark Melton, Gordon Melton, Fred Melton, Mark Stooksbury, Matthew Stooksbury, Max Melton, David Melton and Noah Melton. The family has requested that honorary pallbearers are Dr. A. Clyde Heflin and Jodi, as well as Sonny's friends at Fresenius Medical Care.