Stewart Wesley Johnston died on Friday, December 23, 2022, at Augusta University Medical Center, he was 54.

A lifelong resident of Augusta, Stewart graduated from T.W. Josey High School. Stewart was happy and witty, while also tending to be an old soul. From an early age he established relationships with others who nurtured and mentored him, including educators Gerald Baygents and Ruth Ann Vericella, developmental disabilities activist Rita Weiss, Barbara Fisher and Grover Hogan of Georgia Citizen Advocacy, and the late retail managers Art Hall and Jerry Sapp. Many people have fond memories of Stewart from the years he worked bagging groceries at Publix in National Hills. He also worked for the Richmond County School System, and was a resident of Lynndale West Apartments for many years.

He was a member of St. John United Methodist Church where he was active in the Henry Bible Class, the Clarks Hill Committee, and the United Methodist Men. He also belonged to Pierce Memorial United Methodist Church for a time where he was a member of the choir.

He is survived by his parents, Wendell and Susan (Harris) Johnston; three brothers, David Johnston, Wendell Johnston, Jr (Stephanie), and Harris Johnston (Brittany); one nephew, Owen Johnston; and three nieces, Mary Oliff Johnston, Virginia Johnston, and Cason Anne Johnston, all of Augusta. Additional survivors include three uncles, four first cousins, and many beloved extended family members. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Natalie (Bostick) Shackelford, LTC Hugh and Mary Anne (Adcock) Harris, Elwood Johnston, and Myra (Hall) Williams.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 12:30 pm until 1:45 pm in the Fellowship Hall of St. John United Methodist Church, 736 Greene Street, Augusta, GA 30901. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm in the church sanctuary with the Reverend Jeff Pullium officiating.

Donations may be made in Stewart's name to the St. John United Methodist Church general fund, 736 Greene Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901 or at www.stjohnaugusta.org.