Johnny moved to Tuscumbia in the summer of 1960 from Camden, Tennessee, where he played football, basketball and baseball his freshman year for the Camden Lions. Once Johnny enrolled at Deshler, he began a three year high school career for the Tigers, playing football and track. He played tackle, linebacker and was the kicker for the football squad. In track, he threw the shot. He graduated in 1963 after lettering for three years in both sports and was awarded the Dr. R.H. Beck Memorial Trophy as the most outstanding Deshler football player. As a senior he was first team All-State in football and selected to play for the North in the All-Star game in Tuscaloosa.He also set a new state record in the shot during the 1963 track season. After his outstanding high school career he signed a scholarship to play football for Auburn University where he played as a freshman for Coach Vince Dooley and the next three years for Coach Ralph Jordan. He continued to participate in track, throwing the shot for the Tigers. He is a retired Lt. Colonel for the United States Air Force with 28 years of service. He also served as Youth Services Director at Fort McClellan, Alabama from 1994 through 2004.