Vernon C. "Tip" Johnston, Jr.

Vernon Clifton (Tip) Johnston, Jr. was born July 28, 1945 in Miami, Florida, to Vernon Johnston, Sr. and Doris Alleene Grice Johnston. Tip always said he got to Texas as soon as he could- at about 6 months old.  He passed away at home in Harlingen, Texas on February 2, 2022.  He started dating his wife of 54 years, Marguerite Ann Sanders Johnston, in 8th grade when his mom drove them to a dance at the Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bob Johnston.

Tip and Ann are the proud parents of Brent Johnston (Dallas) and Carrie Allen (Shane).  They have 3 granddaughters- Katie Allen Williams (Patrick), Ashley Allen, and Avery Johnston. Tip’s sister Nancy Johnston Long (David), sister-in-laws Barbara Stepp Johnston, Kay Sanders Newton, and Alice Sanders Callaway were close friends as well as family.  Tip had numerous nieces, nephews and many cousins.  Family was important and he loved visiting with them.

Tip received his BBA in Business at Pan American College Edinburg, now UT-RGV.  He had also attended Baylor University and was a big fan.  He recently sold his real estate company- Century 21 Johnston, but was still selling commercial real estate and after more than 40 years was enjoying not being the broker for the company.  He loved meeting and working with people in business; in church, where he taught a bible study class for over 50 years, and was a favorite as an usher; and socially with his many organizations and regular coffee, lunch and supper groups.

He was sought after for his vast knowledge of anything to do with real estate. He received many honors such as Texas Realtor Emeritus and the recent city proclamation naming May 6, 2021 as Vernon “Tip” Johnston Day.  He was President and Chairman of many Boards and organizations throughout the community and state. He often held those positions more than one time.

He was an avid baseball fan and participant on many softball teams.  He was a beloved Little League baseball and football coach.  One of the highlights of his life was throwing out the first pitch at a Texas Rangers game in 2019.

Tip was a perfect example of a Christian Dad and husband and meant so much to so many.

The Johnston family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, February 6, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, Chapel B. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Tip’s life and God’s faithfulness on Monday, February 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Harlingen.

Donations can be made to Gideons International and Calvary Baptist Church.