Billy E. "Poppa" Johnston, a longtime Slidell resident, went to his eternal home on Monday, May 29th, 2023. He was born on September 21st, 1933 in West Monroe, LA. After graduating high school, Poppa joined the U.S. Army where he served honorably in Korea, attached to the 101st Airborne Division. After completing his service to the country he loved, he attended and graduated from Northeast Louisiana University, where he earned a degree in Mathematics. It was during his college years that he met Irene, the love of his life. After moving to Kentucky for work, Poppa returned to Louisiana and built a home and family in Slidell. Billy approached his long career as a civil servant with humility, integrity, hard work, and humor. In his free time, he loved to fish the Pearl River or Lake Pontchartrain and its surrounding waters. He would also often be seen sitting for hours in his front yard with a 5-gallon bucket, trying to eradicate his lawn of dreaded clover. He tended a modest vegetable garden for decades and loved to watch and feed birds (except for sparrows and starlings). Poppa always appreciated a cold beer, a good country-style meal, and a funny story.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Vera Mae Johnston; brother, Jimmy Johnston; and special nephew, Jerry Ray Johnston. He is survived by his adoring wife of 65 years, Irene; brother Clifford Johnston (wife Novis); 3 loving children: Melinda Folse, Blake Johnston (wife Gaye), and Kyle Johnston (wife Heather); eleven amazing grandchildren; seven beautiful great-grandchildren; and special nephew Jody Johnston (wife Judy). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you simply do something positive for your community or do something nice for a stranger today.