Johnny Willie Wiley was born July 27, 1951, in Longview, Texas, to Willie Fred Wiley and Lola Mae Chandler, both of whom preceded him in death. He also had one brother, Luther Ray Chandler; one sister, Izora Chandler; and a special cousin, Nora Lee Coleman, who preceded him in death.

Johnny received his education at James Madison High School in Dallas, Texas. He entered the workforce right out of high school, where he developed an impeccable work ethic. He went on to work for GAF for 26 years as a skilled worker and a supervisor, where he was awarded Overtime Hound of the Year for several years. He then went to work for YRC in 2015 as a commercial truck driver until his untimely death.

Terry Wiley, Johnny Wiley, Darius (Kelly) Wiley, and Antejuane (Clara) Wiley are his sons who will carry on his legacy, as well as his daughters Aundria Deshun Wiley and Danyel (Dantae) Wiley-Currin.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his sister Cleola (Frank) White; brothers Kenneth Wayne Wiley and Willard Jerome Wiley; one niece, LaDonna Chandler; and a great-nephew, Chandler Womack. Chrystal Keys, his significant other, and a bonus son, Korey (Cecelia) Keys. He also leaves to cherish his memory an uncle, Jerriel (Jean) Dixon, and an aunt, Mary (Hubert) Hyder. The mother of his children, Essie Wiley, 22 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and a host of other cousins, family members, and friends.