Paul "Ty" Taylor Johnston, Jr.

Paul Taylor Johnston, Jr. “Ty” died at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina in the afternoon hours on Thursday, January 16, 2025 surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Ty was a member of Rosemary United Methodist Church in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.  He was a true child of God with strong faith and devotion.

Ty was born in Halifax County, North Carolina on November 25, 1972. He resided in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina until his graduation from Roanoke Rapids High School in 1992. He furthered his education at the New York Institute Technology in Islip, New York. During his time at school he was a faithful member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, where he made lifetime friends from near and far. His brothers were a big part of his life and their friendships carried strong throughout his years.

After graduation, he returned to live at  Lake Gaston. During his years at Lake Gaston, Ty participated in several sports and activities.  He participated in local bowling leagues, and his great passion, softball. His teammates were very important to him, and he enjoyed his friendships with the players. He was a huge UNC Tarheel Fan and loved to watch them play. Ty could be seen around the lake spending beautiful days fishing and stopping to visit friends.

People like Ty have a genuine love and generosity to everyone which is what made him unique. He never met a stranger. He always wanted to have fun even in the eyes of danger. Ty was more than just a friend, he was a force of nature who lived life with unbridled passion, especially when it came to the lakeside gatherings and barbecues. His infectious laugh and warm spirit could light up any shoreline, and he had an unparalleled talent for turning a simple cookout into an unforgettable celebration of friendship.

Ty was preceded in death by his father, Paul Taylor Johnston.  He is survived by his mother, Mary Drake Booth Johnston, sister, Eleanor Lee Johnston, his cousins, Kari Booth Kelly, Patrick Kelly, Landon Booth (Kelly), his aunt Vida Johnston Wilkes and cousins Mary Elizabeth Wilkes- Chand (Vinay), Olivia Wilkes, and his loving dog, Cooper.

The family will receive friends Monday, January 20, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service. A private graveside will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Rainbow Rescue, 1000 NC Hwy 48, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.