Royce Lavonne Johnston, 78, of Paragould, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2019. He was born August 29, 1941, to Benny and Arvell Johnston. Royce loved bluegrass music and was a member of the Shady Hill Bluegrass fan club. He was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. Royce was an avid hunter and a very talented guitarist. He was a resident at Belle Meade.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolyn Johnston; brother, Leon Johnston; and son in law, Steve Stevenson.

Survivors include his stepdaughters, Linda (Lonnie) Laws, Reba Stevenson; sister and brother in law, Betty and Randall Brittingham; grandchildren, Christie Retherford, Jeremy Hill, Olivia Clark, Joshua Laws; and great-grandchildren, Shannon Retherford, Ashton Hood, Analeigh Laws, Ripleigh Laws, and Zackary Breckenridge.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 9, at 11:00 a.m. at Greene County Memorial Gardens with David Stallings officiating.