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Johnnie Wilder Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Johnnie Wilder
732 Entries
Annie Cole
August 8, 2025
Never knew who you were. But I listened to The Groove line all the time. So sorry I didn't know you and meet you. Can't get enough of seeing you perform.
Ruthina Morrison
April 15, 2025
I just felt super connected to Johnny his singing and Keith I've always heard there music through my brother's and sisters I just felt his one-way ticket to heaven and I searched he went to the Church of Christ my family we were all church of Christ many don't get it his smile his kindness resting in heaven
Susan Short
March 6, 2025
I love Johnny singing Always and Forever. His voice like an angel and brings tears to my 78 yr old eyes for his amazing gift devotion and faith after his accident. He must come from an amazing family and been loved by his devoted wife and daughter and family. When I feel blue I listen to this and feel uplifted. God Bless.
Jerome I Clauden
February 16, 2025
My favorite group and song Always and Forever got married on that song 1979 God bless family
Pablo Martínak
October 11, 2024
Gracias, Johnnie, por THE NIGHT WE FELL, me vuelve a la mente cada vez que recuerdo a mí esposa fallecida
Rahmady Adam, N.
September 19, 2024
I wish if you could livin' up long enough to see how compassionated my mother to listen your "All I Am" till the end of her line. And with solemnly heart, You will be Always our song to the Angels
Roderic Hendrix
August 31, 2024
Johnnie Wilder and family you have my deepest condolences. I'll alwats remember that Wonderful voice and you were taken much too early. Rest in Heaven and sing with the Angels..
Eveline Antonelli
January 3, 2024
Ich sah die Band in Zürich ca. 1977 im Dancing "BlackOut". Er war ein guter Sänger und Tänzer. Ruhe in Frieden
Nnamdi Azikiwe
December 13, 2023
Growing up in Washington, DC during the 1970s was a unique experience. The music of Heatwave made it just that much more remarkable.
Watching the video of you and Teddy Pendergrass on Maury during December 1998 showed a side of you that of which I'm sure most people are not aware. The way Teddy praised you and how much happiness you radiated is something others need to learn. Clearly that comes out in your music.
Tenika Watson, the woman who was in the Teddy the night he was paralyzed, titled her book, "My Life's No Accident."
When I watched the Heatwave episode of Unsung on Mario Mantese's website just listening to the things your wife, mother, brother and everyone had to say about you, it's clear your story needs to be told in a lot more detail.
Thank you.
CC
July 26, 2023
You will truly be missed Always and Forever.
KaYah Yisrael
February 7, 2023
I understand now why I fell in love with this angelic voice of a man whom I never knew by a physical greeting, but by the amazing touch of the hand of my ELOHYM. It is amazing how he works his amazing and wonderful works in our lives when we fully surrender our own will unto him as we learn how to love him more everyday. In our CREATOR'S strategic plan for Mr. Johnnie Wilder Jr. He left the world's entertainment industry to use his Yah given gift to GLORIFY not HIMSELF nor others, but to glorify, PRAISE and WORSHIP the one who gave him life and who redeemed himself back unto him. THE ONE WHO IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE..PRAISE YAHUAH THE ELOHYM OF YISRAEL!!! I thank him for the work he did in and through him especially at the end of this life, for he found true understanding of his PURPOSE in life and for this reason his goal was fulfilled. I am grateful for this obedient soul and look forward to meeting my beloved brother Johnnie Wilder Jr in the kingdom of heaven that draws neigh.
Rest well beloved..rest well. Thank you father for drawing him unto you and for providing a way to set the captives free through the love of your son, YAHUSHA who willingly have up his life for our DELIVERANCE and REDEMPTION. ALL PRAISES AND GLORY UNTO TMH. HALLELU YAH!!!
Cherrell A.
July 12, 2022
You are so missed and I never knew you. You have the voice of an angel that will never be forgotten. Thank you so much for pursuing music and forming Heatwave! Thank you for continuing with music even after Heatwave. You had such a sweet spirit that could be seen whether someone knew you or not. Continue to rest peacefully with the Heavenly Father. The Star of A Story.
Carolyn Carter
May 30, 2022
I continue listening to Heatwave records. They were the best.
Larry Samuels
December 28, 2021
This is sending my heartfelt sympathy he lifted up my heart with his song. Miss him and the group deeply. The rest in the Lord.
Niesha Goodwin
December 16, 2021
I remember growing up and my Dad playing "My Goal" early on Sunday mornings when I woke to get ready for Sunday service. He was just an awesome, awesome asset and talent to the Church of Christ. His second CD "One more day" just as a great as the first. I love bother. His musical genius was second to none. He will forever be missed.
Christie Charles
May 16, 2021
I got to see Mr. Wilder perform once when he song Always and Forever to Amarosa. He was amazing! What was more amazing was his heart. I was blessed to work with him in the studio where he dedicated time at my Alma Mater Central State University. He taught me so much about recording. He recorded students for free and only asked that they did a PSA for CSU's radio station. Mr. Wilder worked with myself and other students teaching us the process of laying a track. Mr. Wilder was a wonderful mentor that I get the pleasure of saying I had. Thank you Mr. Wilder....
DON EUGENE SETZER
April 25, 2021
Loved Johnnies voice where can i get his last cd -one more day or a copy of it please
Carolyn Carter
March 28, 2021
Johnnie Wilder's melodic voice has yet to be duplicated. Over and over I listen to Heatwave's music and recall the "good ole days". I was devastated when I heard of his accident! May he rest in peace. Rest in peace also, Keith and those in the band who left us. Thanks for the memories!
Devon L Smith
January 22, 2021
No one knew who heatwave was when they performed and opened for Chaka khan inn Detroit, Mi and they turned the place out, Johnny was doing flips off the speakers doing the splits and took the crowd by surprise with his brother Keith as they opened the stage with the record "Put the word out " GLARING~ Psychedelic LIGHTS raveling ...taking everyone by surprise ..."No one has seen HEATWAVE BEFORE !" Johhny would blurt out loud on stage..."Nooo" the crowd would yell...then the rest of the night everyone knew who they were...the Drummer Ernest 'bilbo ' Berger was drumming so loud you felt you were next to him, the group was so strong they gave them a curtain call ..."HEAT WAYE~HEATWAVE" and it was a buzzing sound through out the building...just killed the next act...threw out heat wave stickers with the group logo [which I still have]....totally thrilling experience of one of the best thrilling groups ever put together on stage that year....stuck in my mind forever. Heard years later about his accident and my heart sank...however still made a hit in the aftermath 'Turn around" and I was happy to hear his voice again. I had the day off at work the day of his funeral and started to drive from Detroit to pay my respects , but he lived a life that was well respected in history, I hope it never fades away ...thanks for giving us the music to remember you by, Keith Wilder -Mr Temperton R.I.P. also and all members who left the earth ...thanks for great ride into the music kingdom.
Farasha M
January 5, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rose Hunter
November 15, 2020
Always and Forever!! You will never be forgotten.
RH
Rose Hunter
November 15, 2020
Always and Forever!! You will never be forgotten.
Bishop Steven L. Evans
October 24, 2020
I met Heatwave in London 1987/88 I was a young singer. All these years later the music is even sweeter and brother Johnny's beautiful composition 'One More Day' ministered to me this week so strong I was in tears. The Lord is still using Johnny Wilder Jr. to minister, what a great man! A great voice, a great mind, who knew the great Saviour, what an example, always and forever!
Frank Lestet
October 2, 2020
His music was part of my early life in Scotland, I loved his voice and Heatwave were in my opinion one the best funk, should bands of all time. God bless Johnny and thanks for the memories From Frank inn Bonnie Scotland.
September 23, 2020
So gifted and talented and such a wonderful man.
Lolo Nocentelli
March 26, 2020
Just listening to All You Do Is Dial..Timeless Music that I will always love RIH Mr Wilder. .
Shanna
January 4, 2020
Was just watching a video- WOW! What a gift we got!!!
November 18, 2019
What a beautiful voice ..I try to sing ..always forever since I was a kid..I still can't hit that note..no one can...like him..You will be miss..May God be a God of all Comfort to the Family's..My condolence..
Present
Elder (2LT) Melvin Allen Tukes
November 12, 2019
I hate I did not keep in touch after Heidelberg. I am proud of your successes and send my love to your family.
September 30, 2019
You and your music are timeless Mr. Wilder! You are forever a part of the soundtrack of my life! Fly with the Angels my friend!!! - Wiggy
February 25, 2019
Just finding out about his passing - in 2019, & it still hurts. May God give his family comfort - only He can!
S Lee
October 16, 2018
Rest in peace Johnnie Wilder ✝
Sheila Perena
September 21, 2018
Johnny Wilder Jr. I so hope one day I will get to hear and enjoy your voice in heaven cause I know you haven't stop. May God Bless your wife and daughter along their ways of life. Will meet you soon!!!!
Steve Dixon
March 26, 2018
Johnnie you have made a lot of people happy with your time on this Earth,the song Always And Forever makes me cry for the right reasons,God Bless you !
Michael May
January 21, 2018
Linda McKinney
November 17, 2017
I fell n Love with this song when I was 13 years old back n 1979 living in my home town of SPUR TEXAS... I LOVE this group.... U will ALWAYS n FOREVER b remember.... LOVE U... RIP
L
October 31, 2017
One of the greatest musicians Mr Johnnie Wilder.
Taylor Wilder
July 9, 2017
Love ya Dad
Demetri Pinkins
June 10, 2017
He is a continue inspiration for me. 2 seek god with my whole heart and 2 use my gift for his glorification. I am assured he is continuing his life with God now
Jemy Villanueva
May 26, 2017
His voice is priceless
Yvonne Ndunge
March 31, 2017
Thanking God for giving us you and sharing beautiful music that will never age.
Charles Hayes
February 23, 2017
1979 wasn't the end of Heatwave nor Johnnie Wilder Jr. Your voice & music is still as beautiful as the day it was recorded !!! Thank U Johnnie 4 givin us great & lasting memories & 2 all Heatwave fans around the world in the words of the song from "Current" (1982) album, let's all "Look After Love"...........R.I.P
Arnetta Savage
October 24, 2016
For the 10 years you've been gone. I send a light up towards heave for you. GOD bless you heart.
Arnetta Savage
October 22, 2016
All I can say is Mr Johnnie Wilder Jr. was an awesome contributor of greatness of life. A genious in his own right. I watch Heatwave's videos on YouTube often these days. The 70s and 80s were some of the best times in my life. We do not have great bands like Heatwave anymore. GOD bless his wonderful soul. Thank you for all you've done for the world. A song is nothing until it's brought to life. You brought life to Heatwave songs. The best smile in the world. GOD bless your wife and daughter. Family is so important especialy during you recovery. The best part is he never stop living. Stayed productive helping other artists.
Marla Rios
October 21, 2016
I was only 13 years old when Boogie Nights and Always and Forever became hits to be followed by The Groove Line (my all time favorite). Just loved listening to your beautiful voice and most recently realized how beautiful you were inside and out. May you rest in peace with our Lord. Will see you again in Heaven.
Laverne Mooring
October 18, 2016
Rest in peace Johnnie. God blessed you with such an anointed voice. I know you are singing with the Angels. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
PEACE&LOVE
Michelle Hodapp
October 12, 2016
I love Johnnie Wilder Jr all my life, he will never be forgotten form then tell now always and forever much love
Arnetta Savage
October 11, 2016
GOD bless your soul Mr Wilder Jr. You were such a genious. Great singer. I was only 16 years old when I first heard 'Always and Forever'. My favorite song ever. You sang that song man. Wow! Then 'Grove line' next LP. What a great entertainer. I listen to Heatwave live in Germany on YouTube. I remember watching Heatwave performing at the Grammys at home. First time seeing who they were. Sleep on until that morning it's time to meet Jesus in the mid air. Thank Mrs Roaslyn Wilder and Keith Wilder for sharing your story on 'Unsung'.
Darya Moore
October 8, 2016
What a Special Soul Johnnie was. I truly believe it was his God given purpose to infuse joy into our lives and lift our spirits through his music. Music is Universal and so was Johnnie Wilder and Heatwave! He lives on through his music. We will ALWAYS love you Johnnie!
September 1, 2016
Incredible singer, love heatwave music and his songwriting abilities. Rip you sing with the Angels as you are now
Indy S
July 3, 2016
Happy Birthday. You are loved and truly missed.
Charolyn kelly
June 24, 2016
I've always loved to hear Johnie Wilder and Heatwave! I'm also glad that he was a member of the Church if Christ! RIP bro. Wilder! You had a voice out if this world!!!!!
Andy
May 23, 2016
10 years gone but never forgotten.
Prescott Hilson
February 12, 2016
you voice is truly a gift from the heavens bro...RIP..I remember as a child listening to "in the garden" before Sunday service..
Love Lawrence
December 22, 2015
Its 2015 What I want to say its hard for me to put into words. Listening to Mr. Wilder sing was and will always be a joyful gift to me. I know he was more than acceptional singer. I just came across this and could'nt not make a statement. May God bless him eternally. He left this world a saved man.
Theresa Nash
December 2, 2015
Man'. When I hear your song's I'm forever 15 . My happy years thanks to you
Caroline Thrash
November 30, 2015
Recently saw the show Unsung and was reminded how talented Heatwave and Johnny was. So proud of Dayton's son and always will keep you in mind and soul through your music. God Bless
Pauline George
November 30, 2015
Rest in Peace., loved your music. I saw your show on Lakrnheath Air Force Base, England and it was wonderful . I will never forget.
Jo Ragland
November 29, 2015
You are missed.
Lorena De Haro
September 4, 2015
You continue to be an inspiration...
Always n Forever...
Deb J
July 16, 2015
Johnnie, you and your music was and (still is) an inspiration to me and I will always treasure it. I am glad you home with the Lord.
Continued Peace and Blessings to your family!!
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
July 10, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Qiana Davis
June 9, 2015
Recently, saw the Unsung show with Heatwave and was truly inspired by Johnnie's story/testimony. May God bless and keep the Wilder family.
March 15, 2015
GOD BLESS YOU.
THERE IS LOOK AFTER LOVE.
I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR BEAUTIFUL VOICE.
S Donofrio
March 1, 2015
He was a great singer. Always and Forever
Rhonda White
January 21, 2015
Voice like an angel.
Resting in Gods hands for now.
Theresa Nash
January 17, 2015
Johnnie you will always live on, thanks to you the years you been here make our live's a happy place,
Nick Elliott
January 15, 2015
Johnnie Wilder...a fellow musician and a life long musical hero for me personally. I was blessed for that and I miss you so much my friend. God bless you and Your family.
Beverly F
October 16, 2014
One of my favorite group back in the day. I didn't know until now of his death. I'm sad to hear about this. May his family find comfort in God word Romans 15:4
Anthony Wood
October 4, 2014
Still listening to your beautiful angelic voice ...You were the best Johnnie
Camille Wyatt
September 17, 2014
Your life blesses me still to this day! Love to your family!
Camille
Alonzo Fairley Jr
August 5, 2014
You will be missed may you rest in the arms of jesus
Tracey Wilson
July 28, 2014
I never got to see you sing but I remember my boyfriend and friends trying to sing your part. RIP
Charles Stewart
July 18, 2014
My wife and i danced to this song always and forever in 1978 and were married to this song. Thanks heatwave.
Baron Gipson
July 18, 2014
I worshiped Heatwave and purchased every album they recorded. I memorized every song. Rod Temperton was a great song writer and a few of the songs he wrote for Michael Jackson I often wondered how Johnny would have sounded singing them. I grew up playing saxophone, but Johnny made me want to sing. RIP man. I pulled out the band's Central Heating CD tonight and listened to all tracks. Timeless. Good times and memories you provided me growing up.
clarice wilder
June 25, 2014
love ya cousin
Theresa Headd
May 2, 2014
Your the man still' I don't know you one on one but my best friend was killed and when I hear your song's I think of the good day's and my happy time's. Thank you Johnny and family
Carrie Ameli
April 14, 2014
My husband and I loved you and Heatwave. Your music defined an important era for us. The music of Heatwave is still important to us. It is full of soul, beauty, truth and good old, hard core funk. Love it, and love you always (and forever).
DJ Kenny6 DJ Kenny6
October 14, 2013
DJ kenny6 with kzkoradio.com or kzko. I recall seeing HeatWave during the late seventies in FrankFurt,Germany at the Plantation Club.T.U. (RIP)
Rosalyn Fernandez
September 1, 2013
Johnnie i really charished times we had. I do miss u. I guess our god wanted you there to sing for him. Blessings to ur family.
August 22, 2013
BRO RANEY I MISS MY BROTHER
paul amorosi
May 12, 2013
To the Wilder family my prayers to you all what an angelic wonderful talent he had I so wish that I got to see him in person he has given so much joy with his gift the determination he showed to live and continue to share his gift thank you for sharing him with us God bless you
Karen Hill
May 6, 2013
R.I.P. Johnny Wilder. A phenomenal talent and inspiration to many. Reflecting on you and thinking good thoughts of all the beautiful music you brought our way.
Lj Mann
March 20, 2013
Thank you for the music. God bless x x
Vincent Blake
March 20, 2013
I first saw Johnnie and Heatwave live when stationed in the UK at Royal Air Force Bentwaters Air Base in East Suffolk in 1976 during one of their tours. The band was outstanding. He never knew what an impact he had on my life as a musician afterwards. Like Johnnie I started in rhythm, blues and funk and made my way to God's music. May God always and forever keep him in His loving arms.
Al white
March 17, 2013
Truly miss you & your voice, you made the whole world happy , not to many people could that. When i think of you and Heatwave it always reminds me of " The first day of snow" my favorite song ,realy your still here..
February 25, 2013
Rest in Peace
Charles Staals
February 20, 2013
GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA - just heard of your passing now - Johhnie Wilder Jnr.
May God Richly Bless your soul and your family - JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA, AFRICA
Luci Turner
February 10, 2013
Johnnie, you will 'Always and Forever' be my favorite singer of all time. To the family much love and God Bless.
Ricky Banks
January 20, 2013
I loved and will always remember the music of Heatwave. WOW,what a blast.To the family of Johnnie Wilder Jr. - stay strong and God bless.
BENJAMIN HARRIS
January 2, 2013
I WAS TURNED ONTO "MY GOAL" SHORTLY BEFORE HIS HOMEGOING. IT IS AMAZING THAT ONE MAN HAD SO MANY VOICES, AND KNEW WHAT TO DO WITH THEM ALL. MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT TO THE FAMILY.
Vanessa France
December 14, 2012
What a wonderful man he was and such a talented performer you will forever be remembered with love
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