Sydney William Johnston, a lifelong resident of Vicksburg, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2012. He was born in 1950 to the late Dr. Walter Easterling Johnston and Sophie Rhodes Johnston. He attended Cooper High School, Hinds Junior College and Mississippi College.

He enjoyed participating in many Vicksburg Theatre Guild performances. He played many roles in the production of the melodrama, “Gold in the Hills,” everything from Little Tommy to the hero, John Dalton.

He enjoyed playing the bagpipes. He was also a member of the Vicksburg Symphony, where he played the cello. He was a student of the Conservatory.

For 36 years, he worked for International Paper in the storeroom. He was a member of IP’s Quarter Century Club.

He had been active as an adult leader of Boy Scout Troop 7. He enjoyed many hiking and canoeing trips with the group.

Mr. Johnston also was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Aloysius A Club. He was a faithful member of St. Paul Catholic Church, singing in the choir and serving as a lector and on the Parish Council.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dinnie Kelly Johnston; son, Sydney Johnston Jr. and wife Allyson and their three children, Sarah Beth, Sophie and Andrew; other sons, Jason Kelly Johnston and Scott Joseph Johnston; and three brothers, Dr. Walter E. Johnston Jr., Joseph Johnston and Henry Johnston.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Paul Catholic Church with Monsignor Patrick Farrell officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Riles Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the church Friday from 10 a.m. until the service.

Pallbearers will be Richard Leake Johnston, Bryan Irby Johnston, Michael Rhodes Johnston, Andrew Joseph Johnston, Stephen Lee McMillin, Buddy Wooten, Chad Surber and William Tucker Johnston.

Honorary pallbearers will be employees and retirees of International Paper Co.

Memorials may be made to Vicksburg Catholic School or St. Paul Catholic Church.