Eugene Rhodes Johnsto

Eugene Rhodes Johnston Jr. died after an illness on January 31st at his home in Clark County. He was 70 years old.

Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, Johnston spent his infancy in Hawaii, where his father was stationed as a Navy doctor. He spent his childhood and youth in Birmingham, Alabama, then attended Vanderbilt University, where he was an English Major and a member of the DKE fraternity. After suspension from Vanderbilt over a notorious but ultimately harmless prank, he graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Johnston spent the late 60's, 70's and 80's doing what he loved best, riding horses. He sat on the Board of Governors of the United States Equestrian Team in the early 80's, and helped his mother organize the oldest riding event in Alabama. During this time he held a multitude of jobs, his favorite being that of a newspaper reporter, working for the Nashville Tennessean, the Anniston Star, Shelby County Reporter, and the Montgomery Advertiser. Johnston also was active in the Civil Rights and antiwar movements, living in Northern California and writing columns for the Berkeley Barb, and then moved to Gees Bend, Alabama, where he was involved with anti-poverty programs.

Upon moving to Kentucky, Johnston farmed in eastern Clark County. He was a founding member of the Community Farm Alliance and later worked for the Governor's Office on farm policy. In the mid-nineties he became a nurse. Johnston always kept horses and was known throughout the community for his acerbic wit and his letters to the editor..

Johnston is survived by his wife, Janet White; a daughter, Alice Johnston Melendez; and two grandchildren, all of Clark County. He also is survived by his mother, Eleanor Miles Johnston of Birmingham; a brother, Hardee, of Charlottesville; a brother, George, of Birmingham; and a sister, Eugenia, of Fort Payne, Alabama. He is predeceased by his father, Eugene Rhodes Johnston, and a brother, Buckler Johnston.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Democratic Party of Kentucky.

Funeral

- Memorial Service at a later date