Thomas Sidney “Sid” Johnston, 77, of Athens died Saturday, March 15, 2008, at home, surrounded by family. He was born July 11, 1930, in Cullman.

Sid graduated from Athens High School and received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Athens State College. He also held a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and a master’s degree in industrial management from Georgia Tech. Sid’s rewarding professional career included 20-plus years at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center working with development of the Saturn rocket and Apollo Lunar landing programs. In addition, he worked at Chemstrand, Hayes Aircraft Corporation and finished his aeronautical career at USBI supporting the space shuttle solid-rocket booster program.

But Sid’s real talent was working with people and as a leader in the community. He served on the Athens City Board of Education for 10 years, was instrumental in building both the Athens High School Little Theatre and the Athens Golden Eagles Football Stadium, and starting the Athens High wrestling program and ROTC, which offered scholarships to area boys and girls. Sid was later elected and served a term as chairman of the Limestone County Commission, consolidated the county water system and the Tax Assessor and Tax Collector’s offices, and computerized the Limestone County Courthouse. He was a member of First Christian Church, serving as deacon and elder, and taught youth Sunday school classes for 15 years.

Sid loved nature and was always looking for a good croquet match on his backyard court. He relished being surrounded by his children and grandchildren, taking much pride in their accomplishments. Having an avid interest in others, he had the ability to engage all, regardless of age. Sid’s spirit and thoughtful nature encouraged and inspired everyone he touched, and in Sid’s retirement, he took particular enjoyment in working to improve the local community.

Sid is survived by his wife, Mildred Schrimsher Johnston; children, spouses and grandchildren: Nancy and Jean-Paul Ebe, Susan, Steven, Hannah and Rebecca Ackerman, and Nick, Angie, Hayle, Seth and Eli Johnston; brother, Neal Swann Johnston and wife Phyllis; sister-in-law, Harriet Gene Johnston; and nieces and nephews, Sally Shelly, Neal Johnston Jr., Genie Woodroof and Keith Johnston.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11 a.m. today at First Christian Church in Athens. A service celebrating Sid’s life will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with the Rev. Wendell Miller officiating and McConnell Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Athens City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Mitch Shelly, Neal Johnston Jr., Keith Johnston, Brian Snoddy, Neal Cantrell and Matt Hammond.

Honorary pallbearers will be Seth Johnston, Eli Johnston, Jean Paul Ebe, Steven Ackerman and Charles Woodroof.

In honor of Sid, memorials may be made to Hospice of Limestone County, P.O. Box 626, Athens, Ala., 35612; or First Christian Church, P.O. Box 966, Athens, Ala., 35611.