Johnny was born on July 19,1949 in Camilla, Georgia to the late James "Bob" Vicks, Sr. and Arddie Mae Bennett Vicks. He was the eighth child of nine born to this union.

He was the product of the Dougherty County School System and a graduate of Monroe Comprehensive High School.

At an early age, Johnny gave his life to Christ by joining New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Baconton, Georgia, where he served faithfully. While able to actively serve, Johnny worked tirelessly for New Salem, serving as a Deacon, the Sunday School Superintendent, the Officer of Finances, and on the Memorial Gardens Maintenance Ministry.

After graduating from Monroe High School in 1967, he joined the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to Vietnam. He did one tour, where he served as point man for an infantry rifle company. After being medically discharged, he continued his education at Albany Area Vocational Technical School. After working at several companies around Albany, he found his way to Merck Chemical Company, where he worked as an electrician, retiring after 32 years of service.

Johnny was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and farming. He also loved sports, spending every football season cheering for his Pittsburgh Steelers and LSU Tigers. His love for sports wasn't limited to football. While in high school at Monroe, Johnny was the catcher for their 1967 championship baseball team.

Johnny had a tremendous love for people. He would spend his days riding around town visiting family, friends, and church members, checking to see how they were and what they needed. Whatever their need, he would try to provide it or find someone who could. He was always ready with a helping hand, witty comeback, and funny story.

Johnny was married to Mary Louise Smothers, and to this union, his oldest son, Cedric, was born.

After her passing, Johnny went on to meet and fall in love with Kay Dukes. They married in 1979 and with Cedric, Dion and Tiffany, their family was complete. In addition to their three children, Johnny and Kay have been blessed with 12 grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents and three of his brothers - James Vicks, Jr., Leroy Williams, and John Harold Dennis.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife, Kay Dukes Vicks, three children, Cedric (Missy) Vicks, Dion (Daffenie) Ware, and Tiffany Vicks; siblings Jesse Vicks, Willard Vicks, Christine Brown, Jimmy (Alberta) Vicks, Sr., and Joe (Ella) Vicks, Sr., his grandchildren,
great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.