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Phillip Johnstone died early Wednesday morning, Sept. 21, 2017, at his home in Pontotoc. He was 96 years old.
Charles Phillip Johnstone was born in Amory, Mississippi, on May 4, 1921, to W.H. and Nettie Johnstone. He grew up in Pontotoc and graduated from Pontotoc High School. A combat veteran of World War II, he served with the 15th Air Force of the U.S. Army Air Corps in North Africa and Italy. He attended annual reunions of his squadron up until a few years ago.
After the war, Phillip worked as a civilian for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, then for the Internal Revenue Service, first in Tupelo then in Greenville, MS, where is met his wife, Rachel Weed. In 1957, the Johnstones moved to Pontotoc, where they raised their three children. Phillip worked as office manager for Pontotoc Electric Power Association until retirement in 1986.
Having played baseball for Pontotoc American Legion, Phillip developed a life-long passion for the game. He was a avid follower of Old Miss sports and loved watching their football, basketball, and baseball games.
Services will be held at 11 AM on Monday, September 25, 2017, at Browning Funeral Home, with Rev. Kenneth Corley officiating. Graveside services will be at Pontotoc Memorial Gardens. Browning Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Phillip Johnstone is survived by three children, Julia Johnstone Hogue (Jim), James Phillip Johnstone (Susan), Beth Johnstone Anderson (David), nine grandchildren, Jason Hogue, Ethan Hogue (Catherine), Leslie Hilliard (Bill), Colin Johnstone, Evan Anderson, Reid Anderson, Kyle Anderson, Michael Johnson (Sheila), David Richardson III (Patricia), and four great grandchildren, Lane Johnson, Maggie Johnson, Lily Hilliard and Kate Hilliard. Additionally, he is survived by a host of nieces and nephews who will miss their "Uncle Oop."
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a sister, Elizabeth Loonan, and two brothers, Kenneth Johnstone and Jack Johnstone.
Phillip's grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers will are Judge Charles Thomas and Billy Roberson.
Visitation will be in the Browning Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, September 24, 2017, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Browning Funeral Home.
3 Entries
September 24, 2017
Billy Roberson
Jim and family: Thank You for the privilege of serving Phillip as an Honorary Pall Bearer. I am so sorry I will not be able to attend His Funeral. I will always cherish growing up in a wonderful place in a great time with friends like Phillip. Jeff and I send our Prayers.
September 24, 2017
Billie Curbow
Beth, Julia, I am so sorry about your dad. I know you will miss him.
I love you both and will be praying for you during this time!
Much much love!
September 21, 2017
From the Staff of Browning Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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