Both of Johnson's parents also picked cotton on his grandfather's farm

 

Lonnie George Johnson 

 (born October 6, 1949) 

 

 Early Life, Family and Education

 

Lonnie George Johnson was born on October 6, 1949, in Mobile, Alabama.

 

 His father was a World War II veteran who worked as a civilian driver at nearby Air Force bases, while his mother worked in a laundry and as a nurse's aid.

 

 During the summers, both of Johnson's parents also picked cotton on his grandfather's farm.