James E. Johnston

James Estel Johnston age 96, of Alcoa, went home to be with the Lord on Monday morning, June 30, 2008. Born in Harrogate, Tennessee on January 28, 1912, Estel worked in Alcoa, Tennessee; Wenatchee, Washington; and Rockdale, Texas as planning-traffic superintendent with the Aluminum Company of America before retiring with 44 years of service. Estel was a faithful and devoted member of First Baptist Church of Alcoa for man years where he served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, song leader, committee member, and choir member. While living in the Northwest, Estel and wife, Hazel, partnered with another couple to establish the Southern Baptist Fellowship of Wenatchee Valley Baptist Church in Wenatchee, Washington. Estel possessed a deep love for world missions and for spreading the gospel. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and searching for Indian artifacts. Preceded in death by: Parents, Melvin and Martha Johnston; Three brothers, Roy, Chester, and Elmer; Six sisters, Mattie Johnston, Nelle Johnston, Anna Jenkins, Ada Watkins, Helen Willocks, and Evelyn Love; Sons, Jimmy and Melvin. Survived by: Wife of 71 years, Hazel; Son, Alan and wife Kathy of Rockdale, Texas; Daughters, Kerma Murray of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Jane Chambers and husband, Richard of Nacogdoches, Texas; Nine Grandchildren, Jill, Casey, Tina, Kim, Teri, Earl, Julie, Eric, and Hunter; Sixteen Great-Grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends Thursday, July 3, 2008 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Alcoa. Worship service celebrating Estel's life will immediately follow at 7:00 p.m. with Freeman Tomlin officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: First Baptist Church of Alcoa, 819 Gilbert Street, Alcoa, TN 37701. Family and friends will assemble at 10:00 AM, Friday, July 4, 2008 at Clark's Grove Cemetery for the interment. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James E. Johnston please visit our Sympathy Store.