Canonici, 66, was serving the community as an alderman when he passed away on Aug. 12.
"He was so well known," said Wilda Williams Canonici, Johnny's wife. "Everybody knew him."
He spent just over a year on the city's board of aldermen. He was elected to office in June 2009 with 406 votes and took his seat in July.
Several family members described Johnny as a very dedicated person to whatever cause he took up. This trait lent itself well to serving the community as an alderman.
Though he was serving as an alderman, he also owned and operated Midway Equipment and Refrigeration.
His work with the company took him across the state, where it is said he never met a stranger.
"He could go anywhere, to any part of the state and people knew him," Wilda said. "He could talk to anybody and he never met a stranger."
Before he started Midway Equipment and Refrigeration, Johnny owned and operated Midway Super Market.
Together with his wife, they worked to provide Shaw with groceries for 18 years.
They opened the business when they returned to Shaw in 1975.
In addition to serving his home community, Johnny served his country.
He spent four years in the U.S. Air Force and obtained the rank of sergeant.
"He liked to tell stories from any time," Wilda said. "He touched every person he ever met.
"He touched their lives," she continued. "He was like that."
Johnny was born on June 24, 1944, to Joseph A. and Louise Canonici in Shaw.
He grew up in the community and attended Shaw schools.
When he graduated from high school, he attended Delta State University and received a B.A. degree in accounting.
He married Wilda Williams on Sept. 7, 1968, in Cheyenne, Wyo.
They had two children, Nick and Shannon.
"My dad was the most wonderful person there ever was," said Shannon Bumpous, Johnny's daughter.
Other family members said that Johnny was well respected and loved by the people he served.
Funeral services for Johnny were held at Aug. 16 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Shaw.
Father Tom Mullaly and Father Piaus Lawe officiated the service.
Johnny was interred at the Shaw Cemetery.
Shaw officials are expected to announce a special election to fill Johnny's vacant seat on the board of aldermen.
Though there will be an election, details have not yet been released.