John Leon Hamner, age 86, of Florence, AL passed from this life to the next to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at North Alabama Medical Center in Florence, AL. Visitation will be on Friday, June 30th from 10 to 11 A.M. at Woodmont Baptist Church in Florence. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 11 A.M., also at Woodmont Baptist Church.
John graduated from Rogers High School in 1955. He was later inducted into the Rogers High School "Wall of Fame" and the Lauderdale County "Sports Hall of Fame."
John graduated from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS in 1959. He married Joyce Harris, of Florence in 1956. They had John Jr. in 1957 and James in 1958. While at Delta State, John excelled at football, baseball, basketball and golf.

He was the president of the "Statesman Club" and was elected "Mr. Delta State" during his senior year.
After graduating from Delta State, John began working in chemical sales for Diamond Alkali Company in Memphis, TN. This is where he and Joyce had their third son, Joe in 1964. A 38-year career in the chemical industry was taking root.
John would go on to co-found Dixie Chemicals in Birmingham, AL and work for major companies like Callaway Chemicals and Exxon Chemicals. Throughout his professional career, John served on the Board of Directors of the "Safe-A-Life

Ministry," a part of Wales Goebel Ministries in Birmingham. After the death of Joyce Harris Hamner in 1994, John married Hilda Horne McCarthy of Lanett, AL in 1995 and gained three new stepchildren, Bruce McCarthy and his wife Susan, Carla Fuller and her husband David and Lisa Stewart and her husband Mike. John received numerous company and industry awards and recognition. In 2000, Delta State University recognized John Hamner as their most outstanding alumni by presenting him with the "Distinguished Statesman Award." John and Hilda relocated to Florence in 2000. For the next several years, John and Hilda traveled extensively with friends and family.
By every measure, John Hamner was a bigger than life figure. He was as big and as tough as they come. However, it wasn't the size of his frame or the strength of his grip that made him successful, even memorable, it was the depth of his character. A strong character is forged in life's crucible moments. John Hamner graduated from Delta State with a degree in Mathematics – not because he loved math – but because he recognized that it was a weakness. Who does that, major in an area of weakness? Part of strong character is knowing that you have weaknesses and rather that making excuses for them, you tackle them head on. Another thing that made "big John" memorable was his big heart. He never forgot that he came from humble beginnings. As a result, he was willing to help others in need. He never preached an eloquent sermon, but he lived out his faith daily. He knew he wasn't good enough or strong enough. He knew he needed a savior. He put his faith into action and walked humbly with his Savior. John served for many years and in many roles at Woodmont Baptist Church in Florence, AL.
John was the 12th of 13 children born to William Hamner and Mary Stutts. John was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Howard, Hershel, Horace, Hollie, Hunter and George and sisters, Elvie, Agnes, Edith and grandson, Joshua and stepchildren, Bruce, Carla and Lisa. John is survived by his wife, Hilda H. Hamner; sons, John Jr. and wife Holli, James and wife Sharon, Joe and wife Martha and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
John is at peace with his Lord!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to Shoals Sav-A-Life.
You are invited to leave condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com.