Timothy J. "Tim" Johnston

Timothy “Tim” J. Johnston, 74, of Beach City died Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Aultman Hospital in Canton following a sudden illness at his home.  

Tim was born Sept. 5, 1949, in Berea, Ohio, son of Barbara (Karr) Johnston of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania and the late Leo “Mickey” Johnston. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Michael.

He was a professional truck driver for over 50 years (his CB handle was “Day Tripper”) and was currently employed at Red Malcuit Inc. in Strasburg. 

He was a 1967 graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army where he did a tour of duty in Vietnam and was a Sergeant in the First U.S. Cavalry and earned numerous medals including the Bronze Star. He was a life member of the Tuscarawas Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America. He was of the Catholic faith. Over the years, Tim had many interests and hobbies including a lifelong love of racing. At the age of 10, he raced Go Karts. He was a popular driver of stock cars where he raced at numerous tracks including the Midvale Speedway. He became the first super late model driver to win 3 feature races at Midvale in 1974. He was inducted into the Midvale Speedway Hall of Fame in 2023. Tim loved NASCAR and his annual trip to the Gator Nationals in Florida. He loved following his nephew Ryan Smith in Sprint Car racing. 

In addition to racing, Tim was a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Electra glide Classic on numerous trips with his lifelong partner Ellen and their friends. One of his favorite places to visit was Key West, Florida. He enjoyed a cold brew after work as well as visiting with his friends at Hog Heaven. His favorite time was coming home and having a Budweiser while sitting in his favorite chair at the picnic shelter overlooking his pond. He also had a special love and attraction for animals where he became a cat daddy when he met Ellen and will be missed by his favorite girl, Maggie Mae, his calico cat who was a special gift to Ellen. He also loved dogs, especially his favorite German Shepherd, Duchess, and English Bulldog, Mugsie. Tim will be fondly remembered as a grill master and will be missed for his excellent steaks, chops, wings and prime rib. He always enjoyed spending time with his family in Ohio, PA, & Florida. 

In addition to his mother, he will be sadly missed by his family including the love of his life and lifelong partner of 30 years, Ellen Pangborn Whyde; his brother, Jeff (Valinda) Johnston of Dover; sister, Denise (Randy) Smith of Kunkletown, Pa., son, Chase; sister- in- law, Anne (Nigel) Brush of Wooster, Ohio, brother-in-law, John (Sandy) Pangborn of Ocala, Florida along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins and many special friends. 

Tim will be cremated and will be laid to rest at a later date in the Dover Burial Park. A memorial gathering will be held at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Strasburg on Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 2-4 pm.  Military honors will take place at 4:00 pm.  A reception will follow.  Those who may wish to express a fond memory may sign the online guestbook on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com