John Edwin Vines

John Edwin Vines of Bessemer, Alabama died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on June 10, 2016 at the age of 88. John is survived by his brother, Fred H. Vines, Jr. (Sharon), daughter, Sallie Vines White and son in law Noah Lytle White, III., Grandchildren, Elice White, Autumn White Brazil, and Mathew White, Great Grandchildren, Khaleb Burdette, Jacob Burdette. Noah Lauren White, Naudia White and Ruby Brazil. Many beloved nieces and nephews including David Benson (Josephine), Doug Benson (Suzanne), JoAnne Benson Ballantine (Roy Busby), Lisa Benson Patterson, Lynn Lantz, Joe Lantz, and Vicki Vines Smith (Don). Many cousins and that he loves dearly. John was very close to his first cousins and blessed to have many devoted friends including special friend, Jo Ann Barr. John also leaves behind his “little dog” and faithful pal, J.V. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred Horace Vines and Stella Irene Moore Vines, Sister, Margaret Gloria Vines Benson and brother in law Joseph Byrum Benson, and his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 50 years Martha McCollum Vines. John was born on August 12, 1927 in Bessemer, Alabama to Fred Horace Vines and Stella Irene Moore Vines. He attended Bessemer High School where among other things he played and excelled at the game of football. After high school, John headed to Georgia Tech to play football for Bobby Dodd and the Yellow Jackets. After numerous amazing years, John and his beloved teammates went undefeated in 1951 and 1952 including a victory in the 1953 Sugar Bowl, bringing home the 1952 National Championship. John graduated from Georgia Tech in 1953 with a degree in Industrial Management. After completing his degree, John served his country. Stationed at Ft. Benning, John completed his service as 1st Lieutenant in The United States Army. John married Martha McCollum, his high school sweetheart in 1951. After moving back to his beloved home of Bessemer, Alabama,the couple welcomed the apple of their eye, “baby Sallie”, into their home and set about teaching her the love of God, music, and Georgia Tech Football. John began working for U.S. Steel, as a supervisor of the coke department. The couple welcomed the apple of their eye, “baby Sallie”, into their home and set about teaching her the love of God, music, and Georgia Tech Football. Everyone who was blessed to know him remembers John as a kind, gentle, strong, southern gentleman, who truly cared about his family, friends and community. Always willing to help others, John never met a stranger and always had a kind word. John was a people-person, who was passionate about antique cars and fire trucks, education, and historical preservation. He was an active and dedicated member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church of McCalla, and often volunteered in planning Bessemer High School reunions, was very active in the Bessemer Hall of History, and the West Jefferson Historical Society. He also served his community as a former President of the Bessemer City School Board. A visitation will be held Tuesday evening June 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church with the funeral service scheduled for Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Brother Alan Head officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Bessemer Hall of History 1905 Alabama Ave, Bessemer, Al 35020 or Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 4809 Bell Hill Rd, Bessemer, Al 35020. Online condolences may be sent to bessemerbrownfh.com

John Edwin Vines

August 12, 1927 - June 10, 2016