John "Johnny" Harvey Chism, 81, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 15, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, friendships, and memories that will be treasured by all who knew him.

Born on April 18, 1945, in Oklahoma City, Johnny was truly Sooner born and Sooner bred, and he proudly spent all 81 years of his life in the city he loved. He attended the elementary school at Saint Patrick's Church alongside his four siblings and later graduated from Saint Gregory's High School in Shawnee, OK. Johnny played football, ran track, and was a cheerleader for the basketball team while in high school.

Johnny continued his education at Central State University, graduating in 1968 with a degree in History and Geography. As a student, Johnny was very involved on campus, serving as the President of his fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma and was an active member of the Interfraternity Council. While at Central State, Johnny met his wife, Linda, who is the mother of his three children.

A natural people person, Johnny built a career around connecting with others. He worked in sales and hospitality before carrying on a family tradition as owner of the Patio restaurant for more than a decade. For many, the Patio was more than a restaurant; it was a gathering place, and Johnny was at the heart of it. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and turning first-time customers into lifelong friends.

In 1990, Johnny married Joanie Arnold, and they were happily married until her death in 2018.

In the late 1990's, Johnny made a career change to the automotive industry, spending the next 25 years buying cars for Pull-a-Part. During this time, he had the privilege of working alongside his lifelong friend, Ray Corey, as well as Larry Wilson and Allen Greene, who became treasured friends and an important part of his life.

Johnny loved helping people, and he formed a special relationship with the Oklahoma City Fire Department, taking great pride in helping with their training program. He retired in 2024 but never stopped helping neighbors and friends in any way he could.

Johnny loved OU football and was happiest spending game days with family and friends cheering on the Sooners.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Diamond Jim and Vivian Chism; his beloved sister, Judy Rogers; his oldest brother, Jerry Chism; and his wife, Joanie Chism.

Johnny is survived by his siblings, Cathy Roth of Oklahoma City and Michael Chism of Potsdam, NY; his children, Christy Chism Brown of Phoenix, AZ, John Chism of Lancaster, PA, and Jessica Stewart of Jacksonville, FL; his grandchildren, Ella Brown, Jessica Brown, John David Chism, Vivian Chism, Linda Stewart, and Liam Stewart; and his nieces and nephews, Linda Garcia, Tracy Chism, Theresa Chism, Angie Buzzbee, Vandi Booth, Kevin Roth, Trey Rogers, Katharine Black, Rick Rogers, Marie Chism, and Judy Chism; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation with family present will be held on Thursday, August 20 at Mercer-Adams from 4-7pm. A funeral mass will be held at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, where Johnny was an active member, on Friday, August 21 at 1pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at the OKC Elks Lodge, 5550 NW 72nd Street, Warr Acres, OK.