Royce Wayne Johnston, of Paxton, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on September 13, 2026. He was born on September 15, 1939, in Florala, Alabama.

Royce lived with his grandparents during World War II. In 1949, the family moved to Coffee Springs, Alabama. After graduating from Coffee Springs High School in 1957, Royce attended East Georgia University until 1959. He later enlisted in the Alabama National Guard and served in Florala from 1960 until 1967, attaining the rank of E-5.

Royce began working at the Chemstrand plant in Pensacola, Florida, in 1960. In 1963, he married Bonnie Byrd, and together they had one son, Royce Johnston Jr., who was born on February 27, 1967.

In 1967, Royce opened Johnston Auto Service, which he owned and operated until 1994. After selling the business, he returned to Florala and opened Florala Auto Service, which he operated until 2019. Through his many years in the automotive business, Royce became well known for his skill, hard work, and dedication to those he served.

An avid deer hunter, Royce sought every opportunity to hunt the woods of Florida, Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, and Georgia. He was perhaps best known for his love of automobile racing. As a late-model asphalt race car owner and driver, Royce competed at tracks throughout the Southeast and made many lasting friendships along the way.

Royce was a Master Mason with his local Masonic lodge and an active member of the Auburn Alumni Association. Above all, he was a friend to everyone who knew him.

Royce was preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Mildred Kendrick, and his wife, Patricia Warren.

He leaves behind his sons, Jeffrey Reeves (Amanda) and Jacob Reeves (Mallori); two grandsons, Dawson and Kip; and other relatives and dear friends who will cherish his memory.

Only the Lord knows why He called Royce home. He will be remembered with great love and deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life service for Royce Wayne Johnston will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home with Mark Warren officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.