Michael Rhodes Johnston, 40, of Vicksburg, died Oct. 27, 2019.  He was born on May 30, 1979, to Dr. Walter Easterling Johnston Jr., and Maxine Irby Johnston.

A native of Vicksburg and an Eagle Scout, he graduated from Vicksburg High School, where he was a member of the soccer team, Key Club and cheerleading squad.

He attended Mississippi State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.  After completing his undergraduate degree, he went to graduate school at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University where he received his master’s degree in biological systems engineering.  Michael was a licensed professional engineer and worked in project engineering design.

His family recalls him as a fun loving, energetic individual who was the life of the party and an avid Mississippi State fan.

He had a soft spot for dogs, particularly his Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and those of his family members.  He was a kindhearted soul with a keen sense of justice and fairness who would go above and beyond what was expected of him to help his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Maxine Irby Johnston; his grandparents, Dr. Walter Easterling Johnston Sr. and Sophie Rhodes Johnston, Thomas McGriff Irby and Maxine Melsheimer Irby; and his uncle, Sydney William Johnston.

He is survived by his father, Dr. Walter Easterling Johnston Jr. of Vicksburg; two brothers, Dr. Ricky Johnston (Brooke) of Columbus and Dr. Bryan Johnston (Tori) of Montgomery, Ala.; two sisters, Jennifer Lynne McMillin (Stephen Lee) of Vicksburg and Laura Katherine Buccola (Stephen) of Jackson; and two nieces, Lynlee Rhodes McMillin and Lyla Elizabeth McMillin; four nephews, Banks Irby Johnston, Reid McCaig Johnston, Sydney Leake Johnston, and Sollie Joseph Johnston.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Crawford Street United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 4:00 pm.  Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation or the Andrew Jackson Council of Boy Scouts of America.