Jeffrey Stephen Johnston

Jeffrey(Jeff) Johnston, 61, of St. Cloud, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, July 3rd. He was born and raised in Kissimmee, a son of Bill and Nina Johnston, and was a lifelong resident of Florida and much of it in Osceola County. Jeff’s pioneer roots ran deep in Florida, with family members arriving as early settlers in the 1840’s.

He graduated from Osceola High School in 1975, attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College(ABAC) in Tifton, Georgia and graduated with a degree in Business from the University of South Florida in Tampa. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kissimmee.

Jeff worked as a regional sales executive for Azrock Commercial Floor Coverings for many years and worked briefly as an aerial photographer in the Tampa area. Jeff was best known locally as the founder and proprietor of 9C Barbecue and he catered many public and private events around Osceola and Polk Counties. His sidekick, and best friend Buddy, his black Lab, was his unofficial assistant and product tester at many of his catering jobs.

Jeff never met a stranger and was a loyal friend and mentor to many. Once he met you, he didn't forget you and you always felt that he valued your friendship and sincerely cared. He went the extra mile and gave countless ‘shirts off his back’ whenever he saw, or was made aware of, a need. As he had the time, Jeff volunteered at local food pantries and willingly provided assistance for a variety of causes in the community.

He was an amazing fisherman and sports enthusiast and could talk about most any game, play or player you asked about.

In addition to Buddy, Jeff is survived by his sisters Julie Johnston (Steve) of St. Cloud, Jodie Conover (Jon) of St. Pete Beach and by his brother Joe Johnston (Becky) of Payson, Utah. He has many nieces and nephews who dearly loved their Uncle Jeff, along with many cousins and countless local friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 9th at 11:00am at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 1203 Orange Avenue in St. Cloud, with Pastor Harold Stallworth, Sr. officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00-11:00am at the Church.

Memorial contributions, in Jeff’s honor, may be made to A Place of Grace in St. Cloud or to the charitable organization of your choice.

The Johnston family is being cared for by: CONRAD & THOMPSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 511 Emmett Street, Kissimmee, Florida 34741; 407-847-3188.

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