John Lane McCarver

John Lane McCarver, 82, of McCalla, Alabama, passed away on August 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 23, 1943 in Sulligent, Alabama. He was a graduate of Fairfield High School, class of 1961, where he ran track and wrestled under his lifelong mentor, Coach Harold Lutz. He was also a graduate of Jacksonville State University with a double major in physical education and history. He obtained a graduate degree from Samford University, studying political science and secondary education. John spent his life as a teacher and coaching in athletics, mainly football. He taught and coached at Tarrant High School, Shelby Academy, Faith Academy, Midfield High School, Pleasant Grove Academy, Pittman Middle School, and Jess Lanier High School. He served as Director of Football Operations at Pelham High School and Thompson High School. Upon his retirement from education in 2005, he had accomplished over 39 years in the classroom. John celebrated 59 years, overall, working in football, but is genuinely ticked off, even in Heaven, that he didn’t make it to 60. Known for his hands-on coaching style, physically running routes and constantly throwing passes with receivers and tight ends, he knew that coaching by doing was more effective than coaching by words only. He became iconic as well for his signature look; golden helmet hair, coaching shorts, and knee-high tube socks. A coach who did not curse, he was also famous for his phrases and expressions. John’s first priority in everything he did was to serve his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a member at Fairfield Baptist Church, Fairfield Highlands Baptist Church, Loveless Park Baptist Church (now Grace Life), and Hunter Street Baptist Church. Over the years, he served as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, choir member, and counselor. He helped to sponsor chapters of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at the various schools where he taught. A true servant of God, he lived the scripture he kept taped to the front of his planner: “If any man serve me, him will my Father Honor” John 12:26. He was an anchor in so many lives, helping others to find their true purpose and calling. He lived a beautiful, full life as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, mentor, father figure, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lauren Jones McCarver, son Chris McCarver, daughters Kelley McCarver and Kasey McCarver, grandchildren Chloe McCarver and Calum McCarver, brother Frank McCarver (Beverly), brother-in-law Chuck Jones, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents John M. (“Mac”) McCarver, Lou Bolin McCarver, twin brother Jerry McCarver (Linda), and daughter-in-law JoAnna Hassell McCarver. A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home, at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until service time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to their GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/e62e99449.

John Lane McCarver

August 23, 1943 - August 15, 2026