Thomas K. Johnstone, Jr. was born March 16, 1914, in Newberry, S.C., to parents Thomas K. Johnstone Sr. and Jeanne Pelham Johnstone.
Johnstone graduated with honors from Clemson University. He was a member of the Blue Key Leadership fraternity and president of his senior class. He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps for five years during World War II, leaving with the rank of Colonel. He practiced law with Haynsworth, Perry, Bryant, Marion and Johnstone Law Firm in Greenville for 48 years, retiring in 1989.
He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving as deacon and elder. He served on the Greenville County school board for 15 years, during which time he served as chair and as a member of the finance committee. He also chaired the Greenville Hospital System board of directors. He was a member of the Cotillion Club, Green Valley Country Club and the Poinsett Club.
Thomas K. Johnstone, Jr. died on April 29, 2005. He is survived by three children, Anna M.J. Straughn (son-in-law, Pinckney Straughn), Thomas K. Johnstone III (daughter-in-law, Deuard Johnstone) and Alan H. Johnstone (daughter-in-law, Jane Johnstone); and six grandchildren, Thomas P. Straughn, Palmer J. Straughn, Thomas K. “Tommy” Johnstone VI, Kelly R.J. Dempsey, Anna E.J. Edwards and Catherine L. Johnstone. He preceded his wife of 64 years, Minnie G.M. “Metro” Johnstone.