Clifford "Cliff" Johnston's Obituary
Clifford "Cliff" Johnston, 84, of Emory, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Cliff was born May 10, 1940, in Monroe, Louisiana, to Clarence B. and Vera Mae (Fletcher) Johnston. Upon graduation from West Monroe High School, Cliff began college at Northeast Louisiana State College in Monroe and completed his studies at Louisiana Tech in 1964, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Cliff was eternally grateful for the financial assistance provided by his Aunt Medra Carbone.
Cliff moved to the Dallas area upon accepting an offer at LTV Electrosystems (later E-Systems) in Garland and later Greenville, Texas. Cliff met and married Lynda Carol Witt in 1964, and they welcomed son Kevin in 1965 and daughter Kristen in 1972. Cliff was a dedicated employee and supported many projects in support of the military. Of particular interest was his work on the L450/XQM-93 project, a precursor to unmanned reconnaissance drones that are ubiquitous today. The L450 aircraft is on display at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas.
Cliff earned his MBA from The University of Dallas in 1980 and transitioned from engineering to material and purchasing management, eventually becoming Director of Purchasing for E-Systems Greenville division. Cliff taught classes in business management at East Texas State University in the mid-90s. He retired from E-Systems/Raytheon in 1998 after 34 years of service. Cliff left E-Systems known for his outgoing nature, sense of humor, strong work ethic, and willingness to assist and mentor co-workers interested in advancing themselves.
Upon retirement, Cliff moved to Lake Fork in Emory, Texas, where he was able to indulge in his passion for fishing and playing golf daily. Many largemouth bass and crappie were extracted from Lake Fork at the hands of Cliff. The highlight of Cliff's golf career was scoring a hole-in-one at Lake Fork Golf Club, a feat unmatched within his extended family. Cliff’s other passion was keeping an immaculate yard, and he spent countless hours making his property the jewel of the neighborhood. Cliff dedicated many years in service to Lake Fork Baptist Church as a children's Sunday School teacher and finance chair, playing a major role in the fundraising and construction of an enlarged chapel.
Cliff married Novis Dell in 2003. They enjoyed casino trips, golfing, and fishing together and were inseparable companions until Cliff's health declined. Cliff transitioned to the Belmont Village Assisted Living center in Dallas last year, where he became a favorite of staff due to his sense of humor and feisty personality.
While Cliff was a success in his professional career, he excelled in the role of both father and son. Cliff spent many hours driving to Monroe to spend time with his mother and was devastated at her passing. As a father, he spent many hours with his son and daughter. Education was a family priority, and Cliff was always a willing tutor, excelling at explaining math and science. He proudly funded the college education for both of his children at The University of Texas at Austin. Cliff enjoyed supporting his children's extra-curricular activities, coaching and attending many baseball games, dance recitals, and drill team performances.
Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Vera Mae Johnston; his older brothers, Jimmy and Billy Johnston; nephew, Jerry Johnston; and first wife, Lynda. Cliff is survived by his wife, Novis Johnston; daughter, Kristen Sanger, and son-in-law, Ladd; son, Kevin Johnston, and daughter-in-law, Shanna; nephews, Jody Johnston, Blake Johnston, Kyle Johnston; and niece, Melinda Folse.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Belmont Senior Living for their care and compassion.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m. in The Chapel at Lake Pointe Church, 701 East Interstate 30, Rockwall, TX 75087. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cliff's memory may be made to the Center for Brain Health at The University of Texas at Dallas at www.giving.utdallas.edu/brainhealth
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