Robert “Bobby” Howell Johnston, 90, of Tuscaloosa, died peacefully Thursday, June 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at his home.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, George Rufus Johnston and Virginia Johnston; and by his siblings, Ellen Thrasher, George Edwin Johnston, Betty Alice Kynard, Ray Johnston, and Peggy Daniels.
Bobby is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Carolyn Mayfield Johnston; his son, Keith (Angela) Johnston; his sister, Janice (Rod) Folmar; his brother, Dale Johnston; his grandchildren, Shelby Jordan (Jeremy) Carter, Mary Catherine (Thomas) Hovell, Makenzie Johnston, and Lacy Johnston; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Braxtyn Carter, Cameron Carter, and Murphy Hovell.
Born on January 7, 1936, Bobby was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He proudly served two years in the United States Army before beginning a 32-year career as a clerk with the Tuscaloosa County Commission.
Bobby enjoyed the outdoors and especially loved fishing and hunting. More than anything, he treasured time spent with his family. He took great joy in spoiling his grandchildren and making lasting memories with them.
Above all, Bobby loved his wife, Carolyn Mayfield Johnston. They met when Carolyn was 19 and Bobby was 23, beginning a love story that spanned 58 years of marriage. If you saw one, you almost always saw the other, as they were inseparable and shared every part of life together.
They enjoyed traveling, visiting new places, and making memories with dear friends along the way. One of their most memorable trips was a cruise in which Kela packed a couple dozen cans of caffeine-free Diet Dr Pepper. Papa got a real kick out of carrying that suitcase and opening it to find all those cans, a moment that brought him great laughter and joy. Their unwavering love and devotion to one another were an inspiration to many.
Special thanks go to Enhabit Hospice, Sephanie, Fannie, Debra, and Jada.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stewart Methodist Church, 10291 Alabama 60, Moundville, AL 35474, or Enhabit Hospice, Suite 200A, 100 Towncenter Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406.
Visitation was held on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home, 6100 Old Greensboro Rd., Tuscaloosa, AL 35405.
