Gregory Richard Johnston Jr

Gregory Richard Johnston, Jr was born May 7, 1973, in East Liverpool, Ohio. He passed away on January 6, 2024, at HCA Florida Hospital in Ocala, Florida. Gregory is preceded in death by his parents Kathleen Grace McCoy and William Harold Alyea. He was of Baptist faith. He is survived by his wife Melissa Johnston and their two children Mikayla Grace Johnston and Justin Gregory Johnston. Gregory had a son, Matthew David Johnston from a previous marriage. He was also the grandfather to Easton Rhett Johnston, 3 years old and Rowan James Gabel, 22 months (almost 2 years). Gregory was a brother to Thomas Earl Johnston (wife Jessica), Hubert Reilly Johnston (wife Anastasia), and William Arnold Alyea (wife Shania). He was a brother-in-law to Douglas Mimm (wife Grace), Jennifer Mieles and Stephanie Arnold (husband Joshua). He was an amazing uncle to 17 nieces and nephews. Gregory lived in Ocala for more than 40 years. He is a graduate of Lake Weir High School, class of 1991. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Serving a short term, he left to fulfill family obligations to his mother and father. He obtained a Project Management degree from Colorado Technical University and was an Electrician by trade for 30 years. He worked with various contractors in Marion County doing residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work. Gregory lived his life through his family. He spent countless years on the ball fields with his children. He was a baseball coach, a softball coach, and a football coach. He lent his talents to the Ocala Rotary Sports Complex, Shocker Park Softball, and to the MCYFL coaching youth sports. His children are proud to say their dad was their coach for most of their lives. His joy truly came from developing children's talents and their love of sports. Through his passion for coaching, he touched countless lives by encouraging them to not be afraid to fail. Getting hit by a ball will hurt, but it was how you handled it that counted. He would tell them if you get hit - ’just rub some dirt on it.’ He genuinely loved being part of their lives, even if it was just for a short season. He was truly a passionate, caring, generous and loving human being. He will be greatly missed.

Gregory Richard Johnston Jr

May 7, 1973 - January 6, 2024