John Henry Nettles Jr.

John Henry Nettles Jr., better known as Baby John, 92 years young, died exactly where he wanted to be, in his hacienda by the pond early Monday, October 22nd. “Baby John” was born to John Henry Nettles Sr. and Azilee Katherine Dunn Nettles on August 18, 1926 in Thomasville, Alabama. In 1943 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 17. He fought in The Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945 where he witnessed the Flag being raised. He worked as a Union Iron Worker most of his life. John along with his older brother Jimmie were privileged to visit the National WWII Memorial in Washington, DC via “Honor Flight V South Alabama”. John was a Life Member of the Guy T. Smith, F.A.M. Lodge #883. He was a Noble in the Abba Temple Shrine. Something he had in common with his grandson Anthony Stallings. John loved the quiet and nature around him. He loved his family and treasured his friendships. He kept busy with hobbies like whittling tiny baskets out of peach pits, and whittling saplings into walking canes. He found great joy in giving to others. He was known for his cheerful sayings like “Kiss a Cat”, “Hello Lad” or “Hey Luv” and “You’re a Dirt Road Sport!” He enjoyed reading, watching Vanna White “spin it”, college football and cowboy movies. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Margaret Thelwell Nettles. Both of his parents John & Azilee Nettles, and his younger brother Joe Nettles. He is survived by his three daughters. Julia T. Stallings (Butch), of Mobile, AL. Jaimie J. Peltier (Rick) of Scottsdale, AZ and Donna N. Allen (Terry) of Canton, MS. Grandchildren Nicki Ball (Christopher), Anthony Stallings (Holland), Emily Sham (Michael), and Michael Allen. Great grandchildren Reeves and Azilee Ball. Amelia and Morgan Stallings and Taylor Sham. Brother Jimmie Nettles, and sisters JoAnn Luethy, June Clark, and Joyce (Terry) Dumas, sisterin-law, Ann Nettles and a number of nephews and nieces and their families. Julia, Jaimie, and Donna want to THANK Scott and Kerrie Nettles and their children; Falon & Cory Mcilwain, Darby & Dusty Pittman, Scotty Nettles, and Bree for making Daddy’s last two years-AMAZING! “Oil well”… In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to the Arlington South Foundation c/o Barry L. Booth, PO Box 7406, Spanish Fort, AL 36577. A graveside service will be held in Serenity Memorial Gardens Wall of Honor on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 11am.

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John Henry Nettles Jr.

August 18, 1926 - October 22, 2018