Vanis was born in Jacksonville, FL on August 24th, 1937. He served in the US Army for more than 20 years, including tours in Korea and Vietnam, where he received numerous accommodations including the Bronze Star.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Man Hwa and his son Tommy Johnson.
He is survived by two brothers, Bobby and Terry Sanders, by his son Vanis Johnson, daughter Tina Browning (Jim) and son Billy Johnson. He was the proud grandfather to Via Johnson, Zeke Johnson, Spencer Johnson, Jimmy Browning, Katie Browning, Haley Browning, Will Johnson, Walker Johnson and great grandfather to Charley Johnson, Carter Johnson, Collin Johnson and Brooks Johnson as well as many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held graveside at Bellevue Memorial Gardens at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13th.