Jeffery Mark Johnston Sr., award-winning car salesman

Jeffery Mark Johnston Sr., 70, of Milton, passed away Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash. He was born to Cleburn “Sonny” Johnston and Gail W. (Melvin) Johnston  March 1, 1954, and grew up in good ol’ Rehoboth Beach.

Jeff came from long lines of natural ability and was inherently good at any new thing he tried. His earliest pride was found at 11, when he was invited to join his grandfather, Mac Melvin, on the Collier’s Trim Shop team in the men’s bowling league, which went on to win the 1965-66 league championship. Jeff loved sports and his fantasy leagues, watching and playing mostly football and baseball. He helped start an adult softball team in Rehoboth, and even into his 50s was still a great third baseman. 

Jeff graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 1972 and hung around Rehoboth for a few years before moving to Dover. He was an award-winning car salesman at C.F. Schwartz for 25 years, then managed Wright’s in Lewes until he retired and picked up the fishing pole. He was outgoing and made friends everywhere he went. He will be missed.

Jeff is survived by his loving companion, Nadine Schroter; three children, Amy Stewart, Mark Johnston and Cory Rose; four grandchildren, Ava, Kevin, Owen and Beverly; two siblings, Missy Jones and Coy Johnston; uncle, Edgar Johnston; aunt, Joan Gibson, who was his number one fan; and cousin, Mimi Jones. Besides his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his brother, Barry Johnston. 

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 27, at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, 187 Henlopen Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lewes-Rehoboth Moose Lodge, 28971 Lewes Georgetown Hwy., Lewes, DE 19958

Visit Jeff’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.