Everett Holmes Johnston, a lifetime resident of Williamsburg, VA affectionately known as "Pop Ebby" passed away on August 2, 2012 at the age of 90. He was born to Ralph and Laura Johnston on February 17, 1922 in Williamsburg.

Everett graduated from Matthew Whaley in 1940, enlisting in the U.S. Navy shortly after. During WWII he was assigned to the USS St. Louis, which was the only major warship to get under way and reach the open sea on December 7, 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Multiple failed attempts to sink the ship, including a bomb that failed to detonate, multiple strafe runs by enemy aircraft, and a midget submarine that fired two torpedoes at the St. Louis which struck a nearby coral reef and exploded, earned the ship the moniker "Lucky Lou". The ship would go on to earn 11 battle stars and a Unit Citation in WWII.

Upon retirement from the U.S. Navy, having achieved the rank of Chief Gunners Mate, having had the honor of being a part of the U.S. Naval Rifle and Pistol team, and being a Pearl Harbor survivor, Everett was met with open arms by VFW Post 4639 in Williamsburg. He also served as an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. During this time his passionate support was one of the driving forces in the installation of the Pearl Harbor Memorial at the Virginia War Museum in Newport News, VA. In his leisure time, Everett was an avid fisherman, gardener and a skilled woodworker.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Louis Johnston; his children, Everett and (Sandy) Johnston, Richard and (Coni) Johnston, Judy and (Michael) Erskine, Andrew and (Maria) Johnston; his grandchildren, Rhodes and (Katie) Johnston, Ray Wade Jr., Stacy Wade and (Luke Smith), Tyler, Dylan, and Braden Johnston; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Lillian Johnston, and Severe and Avery Smith; and cousins, Robert & Debra Brooks.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, August 7 at 7:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg, with visitation one hour prior to the service, from 6:00-7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the James City Bruton Volunteer Fire Department/Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 382, Toano, VA 23168. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com.