Johnny confessed Jesus the Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age, embraced Christian education, and joined the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church of Hochheim, Texas where he was baptized by The Reverend J. N. Blake. His secular education began at Asbury Elementary School in Yoakum, ending in Cuero, Texas where he graduated from Cuero High School, 27 May 1966.

Immediately after high school, Johnny was drafted into the United States Army, serving in active duty from 12 September 1966 until 15 June 1968. His basic combat training took place at Fort Polk in Louisiana followed by various assignments. Most of his military tenure was spent in Vietnam. Awards and decorations extended Johnny were the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM), a Sharpshooter badge (M16), and a U.S. Army Overseas Service Bar. Johnny’s military grade was as follows: A PVT E-1 (P); Army Private (E-1) promotable to PV2 (E-2); Private Second Class (E-2); Army Private First Class promotable to Specialist (E-4); and a U.S. Army enlisted soldier E-4 who had attained technical proficiency. Johnny was honorably discharged however he continued to serve his country by enlisting in the Reserves for four to five years.

Johnny and Mary Brazil were the parents of two sons, Corey and Lamont Polk. For many years he worked diligently and faithfully to support his family. No matter the circumstances, he always demonstrated care and concern for his sons, and his grandson Isaiah.

His professional life was spent primarily in South Texas. However, he transitioned to Washington State for several years where he was employed at a Long-Term Care Facility. However, Texas was his home, so he returned and was gainfully employed until his health began to fail.

For years, even as his health declined, Johnny expressed himself through artwork. He loved to engage in oil painting, as well as pencil drawing, a form of dry media art. Structures and landscapes flowed from his brush with ease. However, some of Johnny’s best work was revealed in seascapes. It ranged from realistic coastal scenes to abstract interpretations of waves and water textures. Despite a gradual loss of his eyesight, he struggled to capture an ever- graying world on canvas.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents Mrs. Mae J. Blackmon Polk, The Reverend Chester Polk, Sr., and his brothers David and Charles Polk.

Those who mourn his passing, and yet celebrate his legacy of life are his sons Corey of Corpus Christi, Texas and Lamont Polk of Yoakum, Texas; his grandson Isaiah and his mother Inez Perez of Yoakum, Texas, with whom he had very special relationships; siblings Annie Henderson (Lawrence Jr.) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Margaret Thomas (Walter Sr.) of Cuero, Texas, and The Reverend Dr. Chester Polk, Jr. (Mildred) of Georgetown, Texas; sister-in-law Lavera Lemons Polk of Yoakum, Texas, and a host of other loved ones and friends.