John J. “Johnny” Wilson, III, recently died with his loving wife, Cindy, at his side in their rural Pocahontas County home.
In his early years, Johnny enlisted in the Marine Corps. He loved our country. During his working career he owned two successful sales and service industrial and stationary battery companies.
Johnny’s success extended far beyond the world of business. Friends could consider him a life coach. Leading by example, he freely shared his personal joy and faith. After retiring in 2008, he plunged into the life he loved and shared with his wife.
He joined AA and recovered from alcoholism. He did not stop with personal success. For decades after his own recovery, Johnny continued in AA because he was committed to helping other alcoholics recover. He did that!
He was a master gardener raising orchids and vegetables which he canned; he was also a master scuba diver, gunsmith and carpenter.
Each year, he and his wife split and stacked seven full cords of firewood.
Johnny drove his Porsche in motocross car races; camped and hiked in his beloved West Virginia mountains; and used his voice on the local radio station in support of the gospel and his testimony to the Lord.
He fed wild birds (especially hummingbirds) and was always close to his dog, Toby.
Johnny was a spiritual man who loved the Lord. Prayer meetings and fellowship with friends filled his soul. For many of his last years, with dignity and courage, he quietly battled heart disease.
Those who knew and loved him count his passing as a loss. However, a more complete and uplifting view would be that he has, once again, led us in revelation that there is more to come. A prayer partner shared this experience. “When Johnny prayed, you just knew that God was listening.”
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, John and Elsa Wilson; and sister, Elsa Howell.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Douglas Wilson and Robin Solomon; three stepchildren, Candice Welch (David), Stephanie and Jennifer Dawkins; brothers, Anthony Wilson (Sandra), and Dr. Richard Wilson (Ann); and special sister-in law, Kathy Burnette.
A celebration of his life will be held in the Gazebo at Stillwell Park in Marlinton Friday, July 24, 2026, at 7 p.m.
A separate celebration will be held in Henrico County, Virginia, at a later date.
