JUDGE WILLIAM "BILL" JOHNSTON III OF GRIFFIN

A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR CITY OF GRIFFIN MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE WILLIAM “BILL” JOHNSTON III , 54 , WILL BE SUNDAY AT 2PM AT THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF GRIFFIN. THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS AFTERWARD IN THE CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL. COX FUNERAL HOME OF MANCHESTER IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS THE FAMILY HAS REQUESTED POTTED PLANTS AND DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO THE FAMILY LIFE FUND OF THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF GRIFFIN.

A THOMASTON NATIVE, BILL CAME FROM A FAMILY DEVOTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE. HIS GRANDFATHER, THE LATE JOHNNIE CALDWELL SENIOR WAS GEORGIA'S INSURANCE COMMISSIONER. HIS FATHER BILLY JOHNSTON SERVED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE THOMASTON-UPSON DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY UNTIL THIS YEAR AND HIS UNCLE JOHNNIE CALDWELL JR. SERVES IN THE GEORGIA HOUSE.

BILL WAS LEGAL COUNSEL OF THE GRIFFIN-SPALDING AIRPORT AUTHORITY SINCE ITS FORMATION IN 2014. ZOOM RADIO SALES MANAGER CARL PRUETT WHO WAS SECRETARY-TREASURER OF THE AUTHORITY UNTIL JAN IST—SAID BILL WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN PROVIDING LEGAL GUIDANCE TO THE AUTHORITY TEAM INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW GRIFFIN-SPALDING COUNTY AIRPORT TARGETED FOR A SITE OFF THE ARTHUR BOLTON PARKWAY.