He stopped going to school his eighth grade year, to help his mom at home full time. At age 18, he was drafted in the Army during World War II, and was stationed in Alaska, later receiving a Victory Medal. When he returned from the Army, he married Betty Kitchens in 1947, and they had three babies. He went on to work at Perrin Airforce Base where he worked on jet engines and taxied planes. With his knowledge in mechanics (even with an eighth-grade education) he was highly sought after to work on German machines at Durant Electronics. Later in life, he enjoyed checking the cows and chickens, working in the garden, riding the four-wheeler and visiting with friends and family. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, and sister Jessie Mae McMichael.
Johnny is survived by his children; daughter, Barbara Mitchell of Caddo, Okla.; sons, Larry McMichael and James McMichael of Caddo, Okla.; grandchildren: Melanie Stanley of Tushka, Okla., Julie Dilbeck of Brighton, Colo., Marla Yandell of Caddo, Okla., Landon McMichael of Caddo, Okla., Brandon Mitchell of Caddo, Okla., Becky Royston of Durant, Okla. and Patty Parker of Anna, Texas; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister, Dorothy May of Haltom City, Texas; and brother, Jerry McMichael of Caddo, Okla.; along with other extended family members and dear friends. 
Services to honor Johnny’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Brown’s Funeral Service Chapel in Durant, Okla. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery in Caddo, Okla. A family hour will be held Tuesday, June 25, from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service.