John Willie Malone Family Sr.

Celebrating the Life of John Willie Malone, Sr. Sunrise - December 5, 1944 - Sunset - December 16, 2023 John Willie Malone, Sr was born on December 5, 1944, in Salipta, Alabama to parents Henry and Rizell Malone. He accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. He worshiped at Nazaree Full Gospel Church until later being accepted into Mt Calvary Missionary Baptist Church under current Pastor Jahmarkus Rabb. After graduating from Blount High School, he started and operated several businesses which included a shoe store, grocery store and even a fish market. He soon met the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Betty Jean Pate. They went on to raise three beautiful children together. In the early 70’s, he began a new career as the first African American Regional Manager of Kayo Oil Company. Devoted to spending less time on the road and more time with family, he decided to leave his manager position with Kayo. After leaving Kayo, John became a certified first-class wielder retiring from Atlantic Marine Shipyard where he maintained strong friendships and memories to last a lifetime. One in particular his family will always remember, Bobby Love. John was known as a hard worker, coining the phrase “When it’s too tough for the average man, It’s just right for me”. John had a passion for mechanic work and restoring vehicles. Often stopping to help anyone he could at a moment’s notice. He had a true heart of gold; always giving and servicing. He loved music and dancing, joining several dance groups; Gulf Coast Line Dancers; Steve’s Steppers; 251 Dance Group; and Elevate Line & Swing Dance Group. He was affectionately known as “Cowboy” by his fellow dancers because he loved wearing his cowboy boots. John even attended dance classes in Birmingham during his stay while going through cancer treatment, touching the life and hearts of many. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Malone and Rizell Thornton Malone; 2 brothers, Matthew Malone and Fredrick Malone; and sister, Alice Jean Shaw. Leaving to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Betty Jean Malone; children, Angela Malone Henry, Tieree Malone, John Willie Malone Jr. and Milton Malone; grandchildren, Isaiah Malone, Deon Holmes, LaKalan Gilliard (Wilson), Christopher Quinn, Tienyqua Malone, Tasheena Mabry, Tieree Malone Jr. and Octavio Malone; nine great grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Malone Rankin (William), Annie Beth Wilson, Winda Malone and Betty Tucker Hunt; a devoted nephew, Jerry Osbey; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Services will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 12 o'clock noon from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL. A visitation will be held Friday, December 22, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Home. Interment will follow after the chapel service Saturday in Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens.

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John Willie Malone Family Sr.

December 5, 1944 - December 16, 2023