Russell A. Johnston

Russell Alexander Johnston, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, in Richmond, VA, at the age of ninety-five.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of seventy-three years, Harriet White Johnston, his parents John and Lula Johnston, his brothers Wray and Paul, his sister Ruby, and his great-grandson, Asher Pleasants.

Russell is survived by his children, Sharon (Berk) Pleasants, Charles (Kathy) and David (Danny), his grandchildren, Jessica (Brett), Hugh (Cheryl), Craig, Katie (Matt) and Shelby and great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Kasey, Carleigh, Katherine, Claire, Jase, Mason, Mary Reagan, Piper, Finley, Stella, Julianne, John, Allyson, Luke, and Elijah. He is also survived by his brother Otis, his sister Edna (Allen) Griffin, and brother-in-law, Billy White. He also leaves behind cousins, nephews, nieces, neighbors, former students and loving friends. Russell said his greatest gifts to his children were “roots and wings.”

He was born in Kents Store, VA on April 5, 1930, the fourth of six children who survived to adulthood. After serving in the Navy, he married the love of his life, Harriet Loving White, on June 16, 1951, at her family’s home in Fork Union, VA.

Russell received a Bachelor and Masters degree from RPI (VCU) and his Doctorate from the University of Kentucky. He went on to teach for over thirty years in the School of Business at Virginia Commonwealth University, retiring as Professor Emeritus. He was a beloved teacher to generations of business students and was a highly sought after management consultant. Russell will be remembered for his unconditional love, unwavering support, intelligence, kindness, sense of humor and mentorship.

Russell and Harriet returned to Fork Union and then became residents of Cedarfield for the past twenty-one years. They enjoyed traveling the world together. The community at Cedarfield brought them many years of happiness, as did their strong ties to Fluvanna County.

He loved spending time with his family, particularly at the Outer Banks or at his cabin at Trice’s Lake. He was an avid runner for decades and loved staying active. For years, he participated in the annual Monument Avenue 10K, his last time participating was in 2019 when he was eighty-nine.

His family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from family and friends whose lives he touched. The family is appreciative for the loving care he received at Cedarfield from the staff and healthcare team.

On Saturday, January 10, there will be a visitation at Sheridan Funeral Home in Kents Store, VA at 2:00 pm. A graveside service will follow at 3:30 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

A Celebration of Russell's life will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Cedarfield, 2300 Cedarfield Parkway, Richmond, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Byrd Chapel, 5371 Venable Road, Kents Store, VA 23084.