GTI Mourns the Passing of Eddie Johnston

It is with a heavy heart that GTI announces the loss of our friend and colleague, Edward “Eddie” Johnston, who passed away on December 20, 2018 after a valiant year-long battle with a rare form of cancer.

As GTI’s Senior Vice President of Research and Technology Development, Eddie was an accomplished technology executive in the energy industry. He oversaw the company’s wide-ranging research operations and championed many of the company’s successful strategic growth initiatives. A friend to many, Eddie was well-known and highly respected across the company and throughout the industry.

His energy career spanned over 30 years, starting hands-on as a roughneck and roustabout on off-shore oil rigs with Rowan Companies in the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea. He worked in the utility sector with Atmos Energy Corporation, a large natural gas distribution company, and came to GTI in 2007 as Managing Director of the Infrastructure sector. Along the way, he served on numerous Boards of Directors and Advisory Boards for tech start-ups, advocacy groups, and research organizations across the energy value chain. His contributions will have an enduring impact on GTI and the industry.

From testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on Capitol Hill to summiting mountains in Europe, Eddie was passionate about everything that he tackled.

As a lifelong learner with immense drive, Eddie was a role model and source of inspiration to many. He attended the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business for his MBA and graduated with honors in 2013. He was extremely proud of being a Mississippi State alumnus and focused on paying things forward near the end of his life.

In recent months, Eddie coordinated an effort between GTI and the Mississippi State University Foundation to benefit students in MSU’s mechanical engineering department. GTI made a substantial contribution to create the Edward “Eddie” Johnston Mechanical Engineering Student Leadership Suite, a novel collaborative environment where student leaders can enhance their interaction and learning experience. In addition, GTI will support a Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Seminar Series, connecting students with experts from the energy industry and other sectors of the broader economy.

Eddie leaves a legacy of excellence, commitment, and generosity. His gregarious personality, humor, and mentorship will be sorely missed. He showed us how to live with grace and humility, and will be remembered with great admiration and fondness.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his family.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in his honor can be made to the Mississippi State University Foundation. Please select “Other” under Designations and specify on behalf of Eddie Johnston.