Tupelo - Wilburn Lee “Wib” Johnston, 88, died Saturday, December 31, 2011, at Community Hospice at Darlington Oaks. He was born August 29, 1923 in Middlebrook, Arkansas to Lewis and Ella Davis Johnston. He was a veteran of the United States Army from 1944 until 1946. During that time, he served an extensive tour of duty in Germany including the Battle of the Bulge where he received the Purple Heart as well as many medals for courage and bravery to his country. He worked many years as a farmer and as a truck driver for Airborne Express. He was a member of Belden United Methodist Church. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time fishing, hunting and gardening.

Services will be 1 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2012 at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Danny Wilburn and Rev. Charles Smith officiating. Burial will be in Doty Chapel Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Velva L. Weaver Johnston; seven children, Sammy Johnston (Ruby) of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Mary Boothe (Jimmy) of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, Gary Johnston (Judy) of Tupelo, Reba Bailey (Oneal) of Belden, Brenda Horton (Terry) of Shannon, Karen Parker of Guntown, Anthony Johnston (Tonya) of Mooreville; twelve grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Paul Johnston of St. Louis, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Mary Howell of Holcomb, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Bonita Johnston.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Hughes, David Bowen, Chris Johnston, Rodney Oliver, Jeffrey Oliver and Jeff Bowen.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Alvin Vinson, Denver Joplin, Richard Houston, Lowery Tackett and Joe Putt.

Visitation will be 4 - 8 p.m. Sunday, January 1, 2012 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Belden United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 66, Belden, MS 38826