He was the son of Roy and Flo Wilson. Johnny graduated from Newcastle in 1978. He served his country for six years in the U.S. Navy. Johnny was stationed on the USS Coral Sea CV43 in Operations Electronics.

He did two West Pac cruises and one World cruise. After an Honorable Discharge, Johnny returned home to Newcastle and pursued a career in the communication industry.

Johnny was preceded in death by his mother, Flo. Survivors include: his father, Roy; brothers, Jerry, Jimmy and wife Cheryl; nephew Christopher and wife Kristian; great-nephew Diesel; great nieces Kota and Kora; nephew Scott; and numerous other loved ones.