Major General Gary Wayne Johnston led an extraordinary life of leadership, mentorship and kindness. His love for God, country, and family started in Russellville, Arkansas, where he was born October 21, 1964. Of utmost importance was his love for family. His untimely death January 20, 2022, leaves an indelible mark on his beloved wife and soulmate Brigadier General Amy Johnston; his endearing mother Bonnie; and his loving children – daughter Lauren Woodworth (Matt), and sons Blake and Parker Johnston. He is also warmly remembered by his aunts Kitty Johnston and Vernice Ramsay, along with many cousins and friends. Gary loved fishing, football, tennis, bowling, music, rollercoasters and chocolate. He also loved his Army and his Soldiers.
Gary served the U.S. Army with distinction for over 34 years. His depth and breadth of service spanned across tactical, operational and strategic leadership levels, including overseas tours in Germany, the first Gulf War and Afghanistan; culminating in his command of the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Following his retirement from the Army October 1, 2021, Gary joined several long-time friends and colleagues at Touchstone Futures, where he served as the executive vice president for intelligence, security and risk. Gary also served on the advisory board for Leyden Solutions. Throughout his life, he cultivated his passion for mentorship. Gary leaves a legacy of distinguished service and an immeasurable impact on the organizations and people he led.
Gary was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Roy and Minnie Johnston; his maternal grandparents, John and Mrs. Stewart; and his father Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Retired) Herman Johnston. There will be a family service and follow-on visitations at Cunningham Turch Funeral Home in Alexandria, Virginia, February 4 and 5, 2022. Major General Johnston will be interred with full military honors in a graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery February 18, 2022. Separate memorial services will be scheduled in February at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and in his hometown, Russellville, Arkansas. Gary cared very much about others, especially in the areas of leadership, mentorship and veteran transition. In lieu of flowers, please visit www.garywjohnston.life, where donations can support these three pillars close to his heart.
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So sorry to hear of this great loss—Amy I love you so much and am praying for you daily.–Holding you close in thoughts and prayers–Love always, you cousin, Stacey
Amy and the entire Johnston family – my sincere condolences on your loss. There is no greater loss than that of a dear loved-one. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and may you hold close MG Gary Johnston’s amazing and honorable Service to our Country and our Soldiers!
Rest easy, Gary, my old friend. Thanks for all the miles. 🌹
I am so sorry for your loss; and pray each day for God’s comfort.
The epitome of a kind, caring, and talented Army leader. His presence is missed in both the Army and Intelligence Communities. Very sorry for your loss but know he touched many lives in such a positive way!
I had the distinct pleasure of serving at INSCOM under MG Johnston, and met him on a few occasions. He was an exceptional leader, who cared deeply about the Army. We pray for comfort and peace for his family and loved ones.
There are no words to express how my heart broke when I heard of this news. He truly was a Soldiers Soldier, loved his people and loved all he worked with. Gary, never would I have that one email I sent you in Afghanistan would have bettered my life. Thank you for all that you showed me. We laughed, we cried, we loved… I will miss you more than you will ever know!! You will always be the “MG” my Main Guy! heaven is a better place now that you are there…
To Bonnie, Amy, Lauren, Blake, and Parker – deepest condolences and sympathies. There is so much to say about MG Gary Johnston. First, he ran himself very hard because he had a passion for our work and really wanted to poise the U.S. Army intelligence apparatus for continued success. He wanted everyone to do well and was willing to help them get there, too. He was a good man and I really liked him. He officiated my retirement ceremony, which was excellent. He knew me and knew what to say to my family. Rest in peace, sir.
with sadness COL (R) Ingrid Parker
My condolences to the family. MG Johnston was a true leader of Soldiers. He will be greatly missed.
Please accept my sincerest condolences on losing Gary- he was a friend of long standing and will truly be missed by all who knew him. May happy memories and reflections keep his spirit alive in your hearts. Fare winds & following seas.
Dear Amy and family,
I thought of you yesterday and then discovered this obituary. We’re so sorry for your loss. Please stay strong during this difficult time. We are all very proud of you here in Findlay, Ohio.
I first enjoyed working with MG Johnston when he was an 04, and was thrilled when our paths crossed again a few years ago – such a warm, engaging person with a giant heart. My deepest condolences and prayers for his family.
MG Gary Johnston was that special kind of leader who knew how to make you feel like you mattered and regardless of your rank or position, that your contribution was important to him. He never forgot a name or face, never failed to follow up on a conversation, and was a truly inspiring man.
My heart and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. He will be missed but not forgotten.
BG Johnston, please accept my deepest condolences, my thoughts and prayers are with your family in this difficult time. It is easy to see that MG Johnston was an exceptional, thoughtful and kind person who will be deeply missed by family and friends.
lll
My heartfelt condolence on your sudden loss. May your memories of love and laughter bring you peace during this difficult time.
I first met MG(R) Gary Johnston as a Colonel. He came back as Deputy Commanding General, and later Commanding General. He was incredible leader with a kind heart…A man who embodied the Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage (LDRSHIP). Cum aliquis amas fit memoria, fit memoria thesaurus…Requiem in paradiso Domine (When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure…Rest in Paradise Sir).
I first met MG (R) Johnston at Fort Hood where he served as my BDE Commander. He led us during our deployment to Afghanistan and always found time to talk to me as a new Intelligence Warrant Officer about both the mission and how my Soldiers and I were doing personally. We both PCSed and I met him again a few years later on deployment again in Afghanistan. I think he saw that I had arrived in country in one of the many briefs he took while up in Bagram. Again he found time to reach out by email and schedule a conversation with me. He was a great Commander and a great man. This news was shocking and I send my sincere condolences to his family and all others who knew, served with and loved him.
A good heart. He legitimately cared about you as person, not only as Solider. He would call me out of the blue to check up on me — a good soul. I’m extremely grateful for our talks.
Ahead of his time with his initiatives, he saw things that others didn’t, he was a true innovator.
I am grieving with many over the significant loss of a great leader, person, and Soldier – MG (RET) Gary Johnston! May God provide each of us with strength and comfort during this most difficult time of loss and mourning.
BG Johnston & the extended Johnston Family,
We wanted to convey our sincerest condolences and offer our deepest prayers to your entire family for your loss. Your loss is our loss as well.
Gary touched so many. He was forever upbeat, positive, cheerful, approachable and expressed genuine care for Soldiers and their families. He reached out to us and kept a pulse on the Moreno family following a tragic event in our lives and that meant so much to us personally. He loved his Soldiers. They were indeed his family too & I thank you for sharing him with us. He always led knowing their was room to improve for the sake of those “at the tip of the spear.”
Sir, you will be missed but never forgotten.
A wise and innovative leader. I appreciate his leadership, vision and enthusiasm for the cause. We will miss you!
My heart is heavy with grief for your loss. I see you walking the halls at INSCOM and thinking of you as I come in the building every, single, day. Your energy, your caring for others and mentorship will be missed, so very much. Rest in peace Sir and God Speed.
My deepest condolences to Gary’s family. He was a tremendous leader, a superb soldier, and a kind man. His legacy will be carried by all of us who served with or knew this wonderful individual. May he forever rest in peace and grace. Miss you already, brother.
MG Gary Johnston will be remember as a Soldier’s Soldier, a leader, a mentor, and most importantly, a friend. Never too busy to give a helping hand. Never too harried not to stop and say an encouraging word. We are all enriched by his contributions to our corps, our Army, and our Nation. Gone too soon. Mission complete my Brother in Arms.
To the family, our deepest sympathies. May God continue to bless and keep you and give you peace.
I was fortunate to serve with Gary as his Deputy in Afghanistan. He had an infectious enthusiasm for the intelligence profession and a relentless dedication to tackling the hardest problems. He will be missed.
Sir, I genuinely appreciate the example you set, your vision and mentorship during our time at 18th ABN Corps and INSCOM. All the you’ve instilled in me and officers like me will live on for a very long time! SALUTE!!
I am praying for God’s comfort and strength for all during this very difficult time of loss and grief. MG (RET) Gary Johnston was a genuinely kind person, caring leader, and consummate Soldier – I will truly miss him!
My prayers are with the family. He will be missed.
I had the honor of serving closely with MG Johnston. Our time in this world is too short. Especially for one that burns so brightly. Goodbye to my mentor and friend. You leave behind an incredible legacy. I will miss you. We will carry on all that you have taught.
Rest in peace, Sir.
My most sincere thoughts and prayers to BG Johnston and all of MG(R) Johnston’s family. He truly made a difference in people’s lives, Soldiers and Civilians. A true one-of-a-kind leader who’s presence will be forever missed.
My deepest condolences to Gary’s family. His loss is tragic and profoundly sad. He was a man of honor, humility, and humor…and added value to each organization and personal relationship he served. His legacy of selfless service and kindness will continue to resonate far beyond his presence on this earth. I’m heartened by the fact that Gary has joined the ranks of the guardian angels who watch over our brave warriors operating across the globe. Farewell my brother.
I am deeply saddened and express my sorrow for your loss. If there is a rating of measure in losing a loved one, I submit an untimely death is at the top. There are no warnings, no time to prepare mentally and emotionally. Please accept my humble condolences for your loss and for the family. May God be your shoulder to cry on and His Grace and Mercy to strengthen you. In Jesus Name, Amen
On behalf of the Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic, as well as all members of the Slovak Armed Forces, let me express our deepest condolences to the family of Major General Gary Wayne Johnston. Many our service members have served alongside him and other American friends and allies in operations and missions elswhere in the world.
He will be always rememered!
brigadier general Slavomir Staviarsky
Defense Attaché of Slovakia to the USA
BG Johnston, Our sincere condolences to you and your family. MG Johnston’s touched all of our lives and he will be truly missed. We are here for support and please don’t hesitate to call.
To the Johnston Family- I was so shocked and saddened to hear of MG Johnston’s death. I served with him for only a short time in Afghanistan when our tours overlapped- I was immediately struck by his kind and warm nature, with always a quick smile and a kind word to everyone. He left an indelible mark on me and I only knew him for two months- I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow you must be feeling during this terrible time. Please know that your Army family grieves with you- I pray that in time, you will only remember the love, warmth, and good memories.
RIP, sir- thank you for your service and sacrifice, God bless you and the Johnston Family.
Vr,
Grace
Gary Johnston was a light and a positive force to all who met him and a personal mentor throughout several years. He was an example to the Soldiers of the 259 EMIB. As the BDE CDR I invited him out to visit our annual exercise in prep for a possible deployment to Afghanistan, during his time on the ground he spoke to as many Soldiers as he could and ran us through TOC drills, mentoring and adding commentary throughout. He was indefatigable and always had energy and time for Soldiers. Gary – you leave a huge hole in the hearts of all Raptor Soldiers. We will miss you.
Know that we offer our deepest condolences for the loss of such a fine man. He had such an impact on so many. May you all find peace.
Great leader who always help and mentor his Soldiers. May him Rest In Peace and give his family a serene time during this difficult moments. He will be greatly missed.
I only interacted with him briefly, but still remember his discussions with the Majors at CGSC in 2019.
BG Johnston,
We are so sorry for your loss and share in your sadness.
Major General Johnston will always be remembered for his life of service to this great nation.
You are in our thoughts as we pray you continue to feel surrounded by much love.
I did not know General Johnston directly, but I see the void he has left through the grief of those around me. Wishing healing and peace for all he leaves behind.
My heart is heavy with grief for you loss. Gary was an everlasting impact in my life as his First Sergeant and friend. We always kept in touch over the years and I am so proud of his legacy with the US Army and intelligence community. Heaven is going to be a better place as they gain a cherished leader and mentor.
~God Speed Major General Johnston
I will truly miss you my friend.
MG Johnston touched all of us with his leadership, strong personal touch, and his steady presence. My condolence to his family, and I know he is at peace in heaven. The Army has lost one of the best MI officers and he will be missed, but his love for the Army and soldiers will always be with us.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. MG Johnston was a lion, a true mentor, and an amazing Soldier. My heart aches for each of you and for our Army.
This is so unfair. My heart hurts for every family member. I will always remember Gary as a kind, strong, intelligent, and unwavering leader. May he forever rest in God’s loving embrace.
My deepest condolences to the family for your loss, I’m sending prayers of comfort during this tough time.
My sincere condolences to this fine family. MG Johnston’s life of service has impacted more than anyone will realize. He always had time for anyone who asked; I will miss his mentorship.
I served with MG Johnston at RSHQ while he was the DCOS-INT. He was a fine man and outstanding leader and his loss will be felt by all that knew him.
My condolences to the family for your loss.
Major General Johnston has made a difference in so many lives. I’m grateful to have been a member of his Army family. Sincerest condolences to his beautiful family and friends~
God is with you, Gary and family, may He welcome Gary to sit at the Right Hand of His Holy Family, and sit next to Our Savior, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. God will have Gary in his company now and forever and ever. God Bless You All, Amen.
No better Soldier I’ve served with in my three decades in the Army. Every time Gary and I spoke I learned so much about being a Soldier, an intelligence professional, and taking care of the team. Miss you.
I am grateful to have been one of the many soldiers blessed to have witnessed MG Gary Johnston’s wisdom and exuberance in action. His energy was contagious.
I salute you, Sir!
Rest In Peace.
Sorry for your loss Gary was a friend of mine he will be missed may you RIP…