John Robert Townsend, Sr., 71, of Tuscumbia, AL passed away Thursday, April 29, 2021. Visitation will be Saturday, May 1, 2021 from 9-11 a.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 11 a.m. in the chapel. Greg Pace will be officiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
John graduated from the Jacksonville State Police Academy in 1973. He took a stand as one of the Florence Police Officers who went on strike and were subsequently fired in 1979. He went on to serve for 34 years with the Littleville Police Department and the Tuscumbia Police Department where he retired at the rank of Captain. John was a member of Muscle Shoals Church of God and he was also a member of GWRRA Chapter S in Russellville. He was an avid motorcyclist and car enthusiast.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Jessie Townsend.
He is survived by his wife, Penny Townsend; daughters, Breanne Owen (Craig) and Bethany Jordan Brackin (Greg); son, John Robert Townsend, Jr. (Heather); grandchildren, Campbell and Collins Owen, Piper Pace, and Jax Townsend; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Gary Wear, Randall Wear, Mickey Oliver, Phillip Oliver, Jeremy Behel, and Ray Stowe.
Special thanks to the caregivers at Helen Keller Hospital.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the pay pal account everypiecemattersllc@gmail.com (charity for Autism Awareness).
