Johnny B. Willis was born on May 2, 1948, to Walter Jr. and Ruth Haywood Willis, in Huntsville, Texas.

Johnny attended school in Huntsville and was a member of Sam Houston High School's class of 1967.

Johnny had strong work ethics. For over 30 years he worked for J.B. Hunt Trucking Co. His dedication showed all the way to when he recently became ill and could no longer work.

Johnny had a childhood friend named Jacqulin that he had a crush on. His shyness kept him from showing his feelings back then. As fate would have it years had passed and they reconnected. Love began to blossom. The two were joined in holy matrimony on July 26, 2014.

Johnny leaves a devoted family that includes his wife: Jacqulin Willis; children: Johnny H. Willis, Billy N.  Willis (Fatima), Sammy Sampson (Cassandra), Michele Roy and Alison Thompson; brothers: Horace Willis (Beacher), Don Willis, Pastor Michael Willis (Mary) and Dave (Blu) Willis; sisters: Shirley Jean Grayson, Priscilla Taylor, Cynthia Henry (Johnny), Ellen Franklin (Robert), Linda Willis and Tonette Willis; eighteen grandchildren; aunt: Bessie Williams; sisters-in-law: Pearlie Baker (Buford) and Jean Adams; a host of nieces, nephews and friends.