Johnnie was born in Panther Creek, West Virginia, on February 2, 1920, he passed away peacefully November 1, 2021, at the age of 101, the oldest of 14 children. He enlisted in the Navy in 1938 and assisted in commissioning the USS Washington BB56 Battleship in 1941. He later transferred with the Navy to Winter Haven, Florida.
He established the Orange Motor Company in Orlando and was associated with the Orlando Auto Auction. He was a Nascar owner of a Golden Hawk, which in 1956 raced on the Beach in Daytona and at Lakewood Speedway in Atlanta.
In 1962 he established St. Pete Auto Transport, transporting vehicles across the United States. From 1962 to 1974 Johnnie was associated with St. Pete Auto Auction, Lakeland Auto Auction, and continued Orlando Auto Auction.
Johnnie returned to West Virginia, in 1974 and helped form Mid-Mountain Coal Company and was Vice President of Mining Operations.
Johnnie returned to Pinellas Park, in 1977 and established 28th Street Auto Sales with his wife Mary retiring in 2004. Johnnie enjoyed retirement by pruning and preening their beautiful half acre yard.
He was preceded in death, by his daughter Cathy (Petite) McCoy Miller and daughter-in-law Doreen M. Carney. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 54 years, Mary E. McCoy; brother, Willis (Sonny) McCoy; sons, John H. (Jabo) McCoy, Kevin L. Carney, Sr. and his wife Mayor Sandra Bradbury Carney, Brian K. Carney and his wife Jodi, Thomas K. (Kirby) Carney; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
His Celebration of Life and Grave-side Ceremony at Sunnyside Cemetery will be announced later.
Leave a Condolence