Mr. John Philip Shealy, Jr.

Ward Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory

Viewed: 1925

Posted by: Ward Wilson
Date: Apr 01 2021 3:04 PM

Phil Shealy (John Philip Shealy Jr.), a resident of Dothan, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Extendicare. He was 94.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Dothan on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Taylor Rutland officiating.  A graveside service will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery in Dothan.

Mr. Shealy was born in Dothan, Alabama, December 2, 1926 at Moody Hospital. He was the son of John Philip Shealy and Sue Stapleton Shealy. He graduated from Highlands Elementary School and Young Junior High School. He entered Dothan High School with his class of 1945, but due to World War ll, he was allowed to graduate early in 1944, after completing required academic classes. In September 1944, he entered the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He then pledged Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and commenced his freshman year at the University. Before the end of the year, Mr. Shealy joined the Navy. After leaving the Navy, he returned to the University of Alabama and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Upon graduation he returned home to Dothan and joined his father in business in the Independent Adjusting Firm. In 1954 his brother, Steadman S. Shealy joined the business and organized the John P. Shealy & Sons, Inc. Independent Adjusting Firm. Mr. Shealy and his brother continued the business until their retirements.

In 1954, Mr. Shealy was married to Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Sanderson in Meridian, Mississippi. They were both students at the University of Alabama when their friendship commenced. After their marriage they returned to Dothan and constructed their permanent home in 1956, where they lived for more than 65 years.

Phil was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His hobby was taking care of his home and gardens, but Alabama football was his #1 enjoyment.

Mr. Shealy and his family were very active in the First Baptist Church of Dothan. He served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He was later made deacon emeritus. He was a member of the Dothan Rotary Club. and on three occasions was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow. The Dothan Rotary Club was an important part of his community life and he was president of the club in 1997. He was later presented an honorary lifetime membership, preceded by his brother.

Mr. Shealy was preceded in death by his wife, Beth; his parents, John Philip and Sue Stapleton Shealy; and his brother, Steadman Stapleton Shealy.

He is survived by his three daughters, Sue Marie Coe (Michael) Dothan, Sara Davis (William) Birmingham, and Hallie Stapleton (Kimmy), Hailey, Idaho, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Serving as active pallbearers are David Coe, Parker DeVane, Tanner DeVane, Joe Littlepage, Steadman Shealy, Dan Tankersley, and John Walter.

Great appreciation and thankfulness go to the staff at Extendicare Health Center for treating us like family during this past year, Anointed Touch Care Sitting Service, and family and friends who cared and loved us all.

All caregivers attending the memorial service will have special seating and recognition.  

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church, 300 West Main Street, Dothan, Al. 36301.  

 

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