Obituary - Edward Conant Johnston Jr.
Edward Conant Johnston, Jr. “Ed,” age 83, of Highland Springs, VA, went to be with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 1, 2026. He was born on February 16, 1943, and was raised in Collierstown, VA, the oldest of three children.
Ed graduated from Rockbridge High School in 1961, received a bachelor's degree in economics from Hampden Sydney College in 1965, and earned a master's degree in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1969. At Hampden Sydney, he was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. This is where he met Judith Lynn Parr "Judi," whom he married in 1966.
Ed was a long-time member of Sandston Presbyterian Church. He served as a deacon, elder, member of the session, trustee, and member of the nominating committee. He was a general contractor and real estate broker where his primary focus was on building residential homes for 44 years. He was also active in his community. Ed was raised a Master Mason at Babcock Lodge No. 322 in April 1995. He served as the lodge's Worshipful Master in 1999. Ed joined the Manchester Shrine Club, and was later recruited by a brother mason to join the Antique Classic & Sports Car Club at the Acca Shrine. He served as club president & treasurer; and, along with Judi, enjoyed many of their social activities.
Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Those who knew him know that he was one of the kindest people they could ever encounter. He also had a quick wit and unmatched loyalty. He enjoyed spending time with family, golfing, hunting, fishing, watching Nascar racing, and listening to bluegrass music. He also had a passion for classic cars, particularly a '59 Chevy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Elizabeth Adale Johnston, and his sister, Ann Johnston Parker.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Judi; three children, Anne Johnston Harrison (Steve) of Glen Allen, Laura Johnston Mader (Eric) of South Riding, and Edward C. Johnston, III (Brandy) of Mechanicsville; four beloved grandchildren, Andrew and Benjamin Harrison, Lily Mader, and Bailey Johnston; brother James Johnston (Peggy); nephew Scott Johnston (Wendy), niece Sara Johnston Jones (Ken), four great nieces; and numerous cousins and family members who affectionately knew him as "Eddo." He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew him.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 2:00pm, with a reception to follow at Sandston Presbyterian Church, 13 North Confederate Avenue, Sandston, VA 23150.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a donation in his memory to Sandston Presbyterian Church, the Acca Shrine transportation fund, or the Shriners Children's Hospital.
