Willie Carl Johnson was born April 22, 1949 in Tyler, TX to Finis Doyal Johnson and Joyce Christene Starling, who preceded him in death. He was a 1967 graduate of Emmett J Scott High School, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Hollins Calloway. To that union five children were born. Willie Carl Johnson, II, who preceded him in death, Estella Vonyae' Rollings (Rodney), Finis Doyal Johnson (Denitra), Kristlyn Matieva Macon, and Brittny Valencia Johnson.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory one brother, James Douglas Johnson (Ingrid), one sister, Eva Johnson Townes and one adopted sister, Kaprenaa Deshan Johns Ward (Calvin), 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren plus numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.