James Guy Johnston Jr.

James Guy Johnston, Jr. of Rock Hill, SC passed away Saturday afternoon, May 21, 2022.  He was born September 23, 1940 in Charlotte, NC. He was the only child of Annie Mann Johnston and James Guy Johnston, Sr, and was the widower of Lynda Price Johnston.

Guy graduated from Georgia Military Academy in 1958 and then worked for the Federal Reserve where he met his wife of 55 years, Lynda. He enlisted and served as an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force.  Following his Air Force service, he attended college and received his BA from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

Guy began his career as a programmer at Rock Hill Telephone Company in 1972. He became sales manager of Associated Data Services, and then Operations Manager for Comporium Communications where he retired with 33 years of service.  He was a devoted member of Friendship United Methodist Church in Rock Hill, SC where he served in many leadership roles, most recently as Finance Chair and as a member of the Administrative Council.  Guy’s accomplishments and civil service achievements are many and varied.

Guy served the citizens of York County District 5 as a Council member for 13 years beginning in 1982. He’s a past President and current Board member for the Independent Telephone Pioneers Association (ITPA) and was instrumental in the conception and completion of the IPTA Telephone Museum in Hinesville, GA. He was an avid bowler and served on the Board for the US Bowling Congress – Tri-County Bowling Association. Guy spent many years fostering a love of the sport in children as a coach for the Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA). Guy was also a loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves.

Guy is predeceased by his parents, wife, and daughter, Lynda LuAnn Johnston.  Guy is survived by his daughter, Johana Johnston Sanders of Rock Hill, SC; son, Gary and daughter-in-law, Karen, of Columbia, SC; grandchildren Sutherland Davis of Rock Hill, SC; Audrey Davis David (Reggie) of Rock Hill, SC; Garrett Johnston of Columbia, SC; Katelyn Johnston of Columbia, SC; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Claudette Ross of Rock Hill, SC; brother-in-law Joseph Moore of Monroe, NC and numerous nieces and nephews.

Guy’s final arrangements are entrusted to Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home in Rock Hill, SC (https://www.basscares.com). His memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 2pm at Friendship UMC in Rock Hill with Pastor Karen Starr officiating.  The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. Guy will be interred at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, SC at a later date. Gifts and memorials can be made to the Building Fund at Friendship United Methodist Church.