William "Ernie" Johnston, age 83, of Millwood, KY,passed away Sunday, (June 16, 2024) at his home surrounded by family.

He was born on March 08, 1941 in Pearman, KY, the son of the late Hubert and Mary Charles Pierce Johnston.

In his youth he enjoyed playing softball and took pride in helping raise his younger brothers and sisters. He was a carpenter and a farmer who enjoyed watching sports, gardening, reading and attending church. He took exceptional pride in creating a family farm and homeplace that his family still calls home today. A friend to many and a stranger to none, his final public job was as a greeter at Wal-Mart. He was a member of Carpenter's Union 3223 and, as a devout Catholic, was a faithful member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jane Ellen Powell Johnston; three daughters, Loressa Kaye Johnson (Greg), Winnett Powell, Ellen Pharis, all of Leitchfield; two sons, William "Billy" Johnston, Jr. (Jerri) also of Leitchfield and Garrett Johnston (Nicole) of Millwood; 13 special grandchildren, Tristan (Shana), Peyton, Brooklyn, Taylor (Abby), Landon, Dalton, Gillian (Briley), Will, Abbi, Charli, Alexis (Connor), Amber (Neil) and Mason; seven great-grandchildren, Katelynn, Lily, Bentlee, Addison, Paisley, Caden, Elleigh; six brothers, Jerry, Wayne (Carol), Jed, David "Doodie" (Phyllis), Charlie (Patty) & Joseph "Joe" Johnston (Linda); seven sisters, Betty Johnston, Barbara Childress, Patricia "Tish" Powell (Harlan), Sharon Roberts (Hayward), Marlene Hedger (Dick), Anita "Tootsie" Jaggers & Mary Jonell Chambers (Eddie); . Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by an unborn child, two brothers, Carmen & James "Spike" Johnston; a son-in-law, Kevin Powell; two sisters-in-law, Sandy Grant Johnston & Celia Faye Johnston; and two brothers-in-law Thomas Wayne Childress and Don Jaggers.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, (June 21,2024) at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Leitchfield. Father Sinoj & Father Brian Johnson will be officiating. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and at the St. Joseph Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. Friday until time of services. A Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 pm Thursday at the Dermitt Funeral Home.