Mr. John Knox Johnstone, 81, of Mocksville, died Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015.

He was born in Winston-Salem on Nov. 7, 1933, to the late Knox and Carrol Smith Johnstone. He was a graduate of Mocksville High School and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in banking and finance. He served two years in the U.S. Army, one of which he was stationed in Canada. After graduation, he worked with his father at the Bank of Davie which later merged with BB&T. He retired after 30 years with the bank where he served as vice president and city executive. Spending his life in Mocksville, he contributed to the community in many capacities: a member of the Mocksville Jaycees, Mocksville Rotary Club, director of the Northwest N.C. Development Association and a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, elder, treasurer, Sunday School teacher and Sunday School superintendent. When asking how he would most want to be remembered, his response with a smile was, “as a damn good yard man.” He will be remembered by being that, a man who quietly and unselfishly gave back to others by showing up with his lawnmower or a chainsaw at your home and helping without being asked or expecting anything in return.

He was also preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Helen Ward Johnstone; his son, Knox Allen Johnstone; grandson, William Johnstone Gray’ and a sister, Carroll Johnstone Crowell.

Survivors: his “coconuts:” Anne Bogen and husband Hayes of Belmont and Jay Johnstone and wife Missy of Davidson; and 4 grandsons, Knox Gray, Rich Gray, Gavin Johnstone and Tripp Johnstone.

A celebration of his life was to be conducted at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Rose Cemetery with the Rev. Sam Warner officiating. The family was to receive friends from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Eaton Funeral Home.

Memorials: Holy Angels of Belmont, PO Box 710, Belmont, 28012.

Condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.