Keith Wythes Johnston

After a brief illness, Keith Wythes Johnston, aged 72, passed away on January 20th, 2026.

Keith was born in North Wilkesboro on March 1st , 1953.  A lover of laughter, jokes, music, and all things light, Keith walked through this world with a full heart and a helping hand. Keith figured out the meaning of life early on in his years and lived it every day: make one person’s day a little better.

Keith was defined by his patience, genuine kindness, humor, and that spark he always seemed to carry with him. Keith’s helping hands had a far reach in Wilkes County. From the development of the Greenway to the music community, as well as the furniture industry, Keith’s subtle actions have made a lasting impact that has forever shaped the place he loved.

As a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, “cousin” to many adoring nieces and nephews, and friend, Keith was a cherished member of the community. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to live in Keith’s way, and make one person’s day a little brighter, every day.

Keith is survived by his wife Amanda Vannoy Johnston; his son Wade Johnston and grandson Wylie Johnston; daughter Mary Vann Johnston (husband Mike Jolly); brothers Bill Johnston (husband Tom Fitzgerald) and Joe Johnston (wife Debbie Johnston); sisters-in-law Jennifer Vannoy Treski and Mary Colvard Vannoy; nieces Elicia Johnston, Mary Lew Johnston (husband Kent Taylor), Brenna Johnston; nephews Andy Johnston (wife Brooke Johnston), Blaine Johnston (wife Melody Johnston), Patrick Dollar, Joe Johnston, Tate Johnston (wife Brooke Johnston), and Ike Johnston (wife Mary Helen Johnston); grandnephews and grandnieces Emmett, Hannah, Alex, Nick, Ian, Graham, Andrew, Grace, Luke, Reuel, and Asher.

A drop-in service will be held in Keith’s honor on Sunday, February 8th from 2-4 pm in the Men’s Fellowship Hall at the First United Methodist Church of North Wilkesboro.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Keith Wythes Johnston, please visit our floral store.