Historic Walker County

PETE JOHNSON
TOWING &
TRANSPORTATION
SERVICE
It is often said that men have a fascination
with anything that has wheels. Pete Johnson is
no exception.
In 1966, Johnson was a part-time wrecker driver
for Kirkland Wrecker Service and decided that
was what he wanted to do. In 1967, he purchased
a small Texaco service station and a three-quarter
ton used Ford wrecker, rebuilt it, and started his
own business—Johnson Wrecker Service.
He talked to friends J. D. Johnston, Lloyd
Hooks, A. R. Pursley, and others with wrecker
experience; but, it was Mobil Oil distributor
John Haney, who encouraged him to lease a larger
service station. In 1975, he gave up that business
and entered the wrecker business full-time.
“I used a factory built Holmes
440 wrecker,” he said, “adding a
truck each year for the next four
years.” His trucks were painted
orange and white—a trend he continues
as Pete Johnson Towing &
Transportation Service. He expanded
his fleet, adding a heavy duty
wrecker, used 750 Holmes, and a
new Ford rollback. He bought a
new Chevrolet rollback in 1993,
followed by a Landoll trailer.
Johnson purchased the first wheel
lift in Walker County; and, in 1985,
bought three acres and facilities for
office and storage. He built a new
office in 2003 and painted it to
match the trucks. He began hauling
heavy equipment and, today, has
three heavy haul tractors, three heavy
haul trailers, a flatbed trailer, and box van. He
advertises on sports calendars; works with law
enforcement rotation, and is a Chamber member.
The business, at 631 Ryans Ferry Road, was
first named Huntsville’s Best Wrecker Service in
1992, and several years since. His business was
featured on the cover of American Towman, a
national towing magazine.
The company has twenty-five pieces of
equipment and eight employees. He upholds
the Golden Rule: “Treat customers as you want
to be treated.”
He plans working until he is ready to retire
and, then, turn the business over to his son,
Allan, and grandson, Robert Allan Johnson.
❖
Above: Our newest truck,
a Ford F-650 in front of our new
office building.
Below: A heavy duty rotator.
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