Ellis Murray Johnston II
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After enduring the lengthy and debilitating disease of PSP, Ellis Murray Johnston II died
peacefully in his sleep, holding hands with his wife, Mary Burnet. Though his body
deteriorated, his mind was keen to the end and he enjoyed the stories of his golfing friends, the
company of his family, and the taste of Jack Daniels.
Ellis was one of three sons born to James Shuttleworth Johnston and Laura Peace Echols. His
younger years were spent in Greenville. He attended The Darlington School in Rome, Georgia,
then went on to study and play at Washington and Lee University in Virginia. He loved his years
at W&L. The friends he made in college were a part of his life until the end. The adventures
those friends shared will live on as stories for years to come. For example, he and his
roommate had not yet been invited to attend a dance at Hollins College. The solution? Make
flyers saying "Bid Gates and Ellis to the Hollins Cotillon", rent a plane, fly over Hollins Campus
and drop the flyers. The outcome? Ellis' father took away his pilots license, but we still don't
know if he was invited to the dance.
Upon being graduated from W&L, Ellis joined the United States Army and served his country as
a Lieutenant from 1968 until 1972. He then attended the University of South Carolina School of
Law. After graduation, he moved back to Greenville and joined the firm of Haynsworth Perry
Bryant Marion and Johnson, now Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd.
As an adult, he loved practicing law and playing golf. He was an excellent lawyer and always
enjoyed being in the courtroom. He was an avid, but perhaps not excellent, golfer. Playing with
the Thursday group of golfers was the highlight of his week.
Ellis was a man of routine. At the end of every day, he enjoyed sitting outside in his rocking
chair with a Jack Daniels in his hand, a cigarette in his mouth, music in his pocket (thanks to
cell phone technology), and his dogs at his feet. The last music of the night was always
Pachelbel's Canon in D. When the dogs heard this, they knew it was time for bed and they
would get up and go to their kennels. For Ellis, this music was a beautiful way to signal the end
of the day and the time for rest.
Ellis was funny, smart, and kind. He will missed by many.
He was predeceased by his parents and his granddaughter Lulu. He is survived by his wife
Mary Burnet, his brothers Jim (wife Nan) and Charlie (wife Beverly); his children Trip (wife Jodi),
Caldwell (wife Mary Claytor), and Annie (husband Andy); his step sons Burnet (wife Elysia) and
Butler (wife Hayden); seven grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews
and cousins.
His funeral will be on Monday, January 17 at 2:00 at Christ Church Episcopal, where he will be
buried.The family will receive visitors immediately following the burial at the Westin Poinsett
Hotel. For those wishing to make memorial contributions, please consider donating to the
restoration of the Stephenson Courtyard at Christ Church Episcopal, 10 N. Church Street,
Greenville 29601.
Condolences can be made to the Johnston family at www.MackeyCentury Drive>com