Norman, OK - Johnnie Vernon Friels, age 82, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, after a brave battle with a long illness.

Born November 5, 1942, in Frederick, OKlahoma, to Vernon and Nellie (Adams) Friels. Johnnie would grow up in Walters, Oklahoma and graduate from Walters High School in 1961. After high school, Johnnie attended Oklahoma City University (OCU), where he met his future wife Linda Kennedy Friels. The two married on July 31, 1966, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Together, they built a loving life filled with family, adventure and shared passions. Johnnie began his career as a biology teacher at Eisenhower High School in Lawton, Oklahoma, while farming in Walters. In December of 1967, he and Linda welcomed their only child, Johnnie Brian Friels. Johnnie continued his education at the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated with a degree in pharmacy in May of 1971. He spent much of his career as a practicing pharmacist in southwest Oklahoma and North Texas, all while remaining deeply connected to his roots in farming. After retiring from his career in pharmacy, Johnnie devoted himself full-time to farming until his well-earned retirement in 2008. In retirement, Johnnie and Linda moved to Norman, Oklahoma to be closer to their son, grandchildren and University of Oklahoma sports. This moved allowed Johnnie to enjoy time attending OU football and basketball games as well as countless family moments with loved ones. Throughout his life, Johnnie was a passionate sports fan, and enjoyed playing all sports with his son, Brian. Pole vaulting being a noted exception. As a season ticket holder to OU football and men's and women's basketball, Johnnie could often be seen wearing his radio headset, listening to live play-by-play commentary while watching games. He was a regular at the pregame Sooner Club dinners, where all of student waitstaff knew to bring him two Baby Ruth bars-one of his endearing quirks that made him unforgettable to those who knew him. Music was another passion of Johnnie, especially R&B and Motown. During his time at OCU, he developed an appreciation for these genres and in the 1970s and 80s, he and Linda enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas to see their favorite artists perform live in the intimate dinner theater venues of the time. Johnnie was a man who loved his family deeply, treasured his friendships, and embraced life with a quiet strength and good-natured sense of humor. He will be remembered for his dedication to family, his love for OU sports, his joy in music, and the countless fond memories he created with those who knew him. Johnnie is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Linda Kennedy Friels, his son Johnnie Brian Friels (Kym), his sister, Betty (Friels) Minton, nieces, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many other family members, friends and loved ones. Donations in Johnnie's name may be made to McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Foundation or The University of Oklahoma Foundation.