B. L. "Bozy" Johnston died on Thursday, August 18, 2005 in Heber Springs. Bozy was born at Tyler, AR, on September 16, 1922, to L. M. and Vivian Lenore(Morris) Johnston. He graduated as Valedictorian of the Pangburn High School Class of 1939 and attended Harding College in Searcy, AR. Soon after, he married the former Lynda Walker and they headed off to Waco, Texas, for Army Air Corps flight training. He served as a B-24 pilot and wing leader in WWII, based in Norwich, England. Bozy mustered out of the Corps at the end of the War with the rank of Captain. During his time of service he was awarded the Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Bozy worked for Fell Vaughan as a heavy equipment hauler before the war, and went back to work for him as a construction superintendent after the war. They eventually formed Coark Construction Company and operated it for several years. Bozy left that partnership to move to Heber Springs in 1960 to start his own contracting business. He formed Rock Products, Inc., in 1963, and over the next 20 years grew it into one of the best small highway construction companies in Arkansas. While making a home for his family in Heber Springs, Bozy was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees. He was the longtime chairman of the Heber Springs Water and Sewer Commission, and oversaw many improvements to the system as Heber Springs grew and prospered. He was on the Board of Directors of the then Cleburne County Hospital when it was built in 1967. Bozy was appointed to the first State Building Services Council which oversaw the construction of State office buildings, and was also appointed to the Contractors Licensing Board, where he served the State of Arkansas for many years. He was also active in the Arkansas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America. He enjoyed being involved in politics as a friend and facilitator, and was very proud of his friendships with many of Arkansas' political leaders. As an unapologetic "Yellow Dog" democrat, he was also pleased to get the opportunity to visit the White House and spend the night in the Lincoln bedroom while Bill Clinton was President. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lemuel Marion and Vivian Lenore Johnston; wife and mother to his children Lynda Walker Johnston; sisters Lorraine Johnston Henderson, Lucille Johnston Hays, Velma Johnston Henderson; brothers Morris Johnston, Raymond Johnston, Richard Johnston, and Howard Johnston. He is survived by his wife, Louise Privitt Johnston; daughter Carol (Jim) St. Clair, son Bill (Diane) Johnston, grandsons Benjamin (Shannon) Johnston and Matthew Johnston; great-grandson Hayes Johnston; many other relatives and dear friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 20, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home in Heber Springs. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, at the First United Methodist Church, 11th and Pine Streets, Heber Springs, with Rev. John Miles officiating. Interment will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Jim Chastain, Sonny Chastain, Artie Cousins, Kent Latch, Sam Querry, and Glenn Warren will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Cecil Alexander, Jim Chaney, Jack Duckworth, Bud Dudeck, George Keeter, Steve Kincheloe, and Howard Williams.

Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Heber Springs, Arkansas, The Cleburne County Arts Council, Heber Springs, Arkansas, or the charity of your choice.