Mr. James Preston Carmack

May 23, 1934 - November 25, 2013

I was given the gift of life, and now I have to give it back. This is hard. But I was a lucky man who led a lucky existence, and for that I am grateful. I leave behind my beautiful, loving wife of 57 years, Jearlean (some call her Tuffy). She has always been my driving force, my rock, and the love of my life. She has been with me through the good times and bad times. She never gave up on me. I also leave behind our 4 wonderful children: Meverly Hurst, Preston (Rena) Carmack, Brian (Brenda) Carmack, and Amanda (Billy Ray) Elkins. 9 grandchildren: Sheena (Robbie) Davis, Blake (Jessica) Carmack, Joshua Crabtree, Brooke (Darren) Smith, Bethany Carmack, Luke Carmack, Sydney Elkins, Sonny Williams, and Ashley Elkins. 5 great-grandchildren: Rylee Carmack, Khloe Carmack, Braxton Elkins, Jayden (JP) Smith, and Bray Carmack. Our children along with their spouse and our grandchildren and great-grandchildren are my greatest joy and continued to light up our home. I also leave behind my 4 brothers and 4 sisters: Nadine McClain, Freddie Hart, Junior Segrest, Harold Carmack, Pearl Ruddy, Gail Brown, Lonnie Carmack, and Sandra Echols. Numerous nieces and nephews. I so enjoyed entertaining people by playing my guitar and singing or telling jokes to get a laugh. I loved to make people smile. I was truly blessed to meet so many wonderful people along the way who made an impact on me. I hope I was able to have touched others’ lives in some way with a joke, smile or song. Now I am playing my guitar and singing in Heaven with Jesus on streets of gold and will see you all one day. Life is about a series of time and a collection of moments. J.P. Carmack span his collection of time and moments over 79 years. He was born May 23, 1934 in Lee County. He was a son, a brother, husband and father, uncle and friend. He was a fisherman, carpenter, artist, musician, mechanic, entertainer, jokester, life of the party, inventor; he was the epitome of a jack of all trades. He was employed at Kimberly Clark Corp. for 34 years and was a union member of International Brotherhood of Pulpwood Workers for those 34 years. He served in the United States Army for 2 years. J.P. is predeceased by his parents Leo and Gertie Carmack and three brothers Bo Segrest, Olin Segrest and Ishmael (Marrell) Carmack. Funeral Services for J.P. will be Friday, Nov. 29 at 1 PM at Talladega Funeral Home with Bro. Keith Angel and Bro. Wayne Hammonds officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pine Hill Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday night from 5 to 7 PM at the funeral home. The following men will serve as pallbearers: Preston Carmack, Luke Carmack, Joshua Crabtree, Blake Carmack, Billy Ray Elkins, and Joey Carmack. Honorary pallbearers: Tracy Stephens, Buddy Hendrick, James Hendrick, and Shane Stephens.