Johnny was born on January 18th, 1943 in Gadsden, Alabama to Henry and Sunshine Vines who preceded him in death. He has one brother, Michael Edwards Vines (Jennifer). Johnny attended Woodlawn High School where he led the team as quarterback for the Woodlawn Colonels. He received numerous scholarships to play football on a collegiate level but chose instead to begin his career as a plumber. Johnny has always been extremely patriotic, during this time he enlisted in the Army National Guard where his leadership skills continued to shine as he was chosen to serve as platoon leader.
During his lifetime, Johnny wore many hats. He became an outstanding master plumber and successfully started his own plumbing business. Due to his hard work and never-ending desire to own his own farm, he purchased Awtry Farm in St. Clair County naming it Quail Creek which served as a quail preserve for many years.
In addition to his being an avid hunter, golfer and all-around incredible athlete, Johnny embarked on a new adventure by becoming a “cowboy” and introducing cattle to his farm. This addition became a passion which called for a “cowboy hat”. Johnny never did anything halfway and this venture was no different. He became known as an up and coming leader in the Brangus Association, holding President of the Alabama Brangus Breeders Association, President of the Southeast Brangus Breeders Association, and board member of the International Brangus Breeders Association. In 2011, he was honored and awarded the distinction of Brangus Breeder of the Year in Houston, Texas.
Johnny is survived by his first and constant love, and his wife of 54 years, Donna Mayhew Vines. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving children and grandchildren who gave him his most cherished hat of all “The Proudest Poppa Hat”: children - Holly Lynn Vines, Heather Vines Cook (Chris), John Clark Vines (Suzy), grandchildren - Parker Duval Cook, Ally Elizabeth Salchert, Caroline Chambers Cook, Mattox Mayhew Vines, and Brock Bowen Vines which completes “The Vines Clan”.
We can never express our appreciation and gratitude enough to those that cared for Johnny so lovingly. Thank you to Lisa Kirchner and Etowah County Alacare Home Health and Hospice.
Visitation will be Friday, October 19 from 10 AM – 11 AM at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel. Service will follow at 11 AM. Burial at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Trussville, Alabama.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Alacare of Etowah County.
