Johnny Rex "John" Wilson

Johnny Rex Wilson, of Tulsa, OK, known to most as John, passed away on September 3, 2026, at the age of 68. John was born January 13, 1958, to Melvin Levinson Wilson and Polly Ann (Fletcher) Wilson.

He graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1976. Later in his adult life, John attended Tulsa Welding School, adding another skill to a long list of things he knew how to do with his hands. John married Tammy Trego on April 25, 1981. During their 45 years of marriage, they raised two children, Jerrod Wilson and Tara Cox. Much of John and Tammy's life together was spent following their children wherever their activities and interests took them. They also enjoyed riding motorcycles together, as well as riding dune buggies and side-by-sides. John spent most of his working life in the auto parts business. He began working for Bud's Auto Parts and later purchased the company, renaming it Budget Used Auto Parts. He owned and operated the business for 45 years. It was a natural fit for John, who enjoyed cars, tinkering, figuring out how things worked, and, maybe most importantly, finding a good deal. John was famously tight with his money. He knew the value of a dollar, and parting with one usually required a pretty good reason. If there was a cheaper way to do something, John was probably going to find it, and if he thought something cost too much, you were definitely going to hear about it. He worked hard for what he had, took care of it, and didn't believe in spending money unnecessarily. For John, getting the best deal was often half the fun.

Racing and motorsports were a big part of John's life, particularly because it was something he shared with his son, Jerrod. John raced for many years before eventually hanging up his own helmet and becoming Jerrod's crew chief. He stayed heavily involved for many years and even earned his CDL so he could legally drive the semi hauling Jerrod's sprint car. John was extremely proud of his daughter, Tara. As far as he was concerned, she could do no wrong. He thought just as highly of her husband, Ryan, whom he considered a son-in-law he couldn't have handpicked any better. John enjoyed spending time with the Cox family, especially their time together at the lake. Being a grandpa was something John took great pride in. He loved watching Cruz play the guitar, cheering Ruby on in tumbling, and listening to Jade answer trivia questions well beyond Jade's age. He was also a proud grandfather to Jerrod's son, Jett Wilson. John enjoyed working with his hands and tinkering with just about anything. He loved motorcycles, motorsports, dune buggies, side-by-sides, and anything that gave him an excuse to work on an engine or figure something out. John also shared many memorable years with Jerry, his lifelong best friend, including their time living in Mohawk Park. The two got into their share of mischief, surviving a fire that left John needing skin grafts. Through it all, Jerry remained a treasured friend and an important part of John's life.

John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Tammy Wilson; his son, Jerrod Wilson; his daughter, Tara Cox and husband, Ryan Cox; his grandchildren, Jett Wilson, Cruz Cox, Ruby Cox and Jade Cox; his sister, Maryanne Coombs, and husband, Jim; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Polly Wilson, and his brother, Michael Wilson.

John worked hard, enjoyed life, loved racing, and was always ready to tinker with something or find a better deal. He was proud of the life he built, but he was even prouder of his family. Whether he was at the racetrack, at the lake, working on something, or simply keeping up with what his children and grandchildren were doing, John wanted to be part of it. He will be deeply missed by the family and friends who knew him, loved him, and will undoubtedly continue telling John's stories for years to come.

Family and friends gathered to celebrate and honors John’s life on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Skiatook, OK, with Pastor Chad Thompson officiating. Honorary casket bearers were Jerry McGehee, Jerrod Wilson, Ryan Cox, Cruz Cox, Kevin Trego, Kevin Paslay, and J.R. McGehee.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.