John (Jack) W Vandiver, “Papa” to his family, died peacefully on the afternoon of November 28th, 2022. The son of the late Raymond Franklin Vandiver, Sr. and Annie Mae Orman Vandiver, he grew up on their family farm in his beloved hometown of New Market. He graduated from New Market High School in 1952 and attended Auburn University where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, graduating in 1956. As an Auburn student in 1954, Jack married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Douglass. Jack went on to serve in the U.S. Army until the couple settled in the Monrovia community in 1958 where they raised their two sons, John W Vandiver, Jr. and Philip Keith Vandiver.
Jack continued his passion for agriculture in Madison County. He merged resources with his father-in-law, Erle Pettus Douglass, forming Douglass Vandiver Farms. Jack farmed land in and around Madison County for over 50 years. He enjoyed raising cotton and cattle along with other commodities and livestock. In 1970, Jack helped facilitate the establishment of the Jeff Gin Company, a farmer-owned gin created for the benefit of local farmers.
Jack took great pride in serving his community. He was elected Chairman of the Board of the original Harvest-Monrovia Water Authority. He was also a charter member of the Monrovia Men’s Club serving as president, and he was also a charter member of the Monrovia Volunteer Fire Department. He was elected to the Madison County School Board where he served the Fourth District for 12 years. Jack also served as President of both the P.T.A. and Booster Clubs for Monrovia and Sparkman. From his agricultural business to his school board service, Jack served at the local, state, regional and national level. This allowed him and Barbara to make many lifelong friends.
He loved being involved and helping wherever there was a need, and he especially enjoyed being part of the “Chain Gang” that pulled the chains at the weekly football games at Sparkman High School.
Jack loved his church, Mount Zion Baptist, where he and Barbara were married and where he was a member since 1958. One of his greatest joys was teaching the 4th – 6th grade boys Sunday School class. He worked with this age group for over 40 years teaching the gospel. Even when he wasn’t actively teaching, he would still attend the classes to maintain relationships and hold each of his students accountable.
His love for Auburn has spanned the decades. Jack and Barbara began their married life on The Plains while he went to school and while she taught in Lee County at Beauregard. Frequently, Jack shared stories of his friends and professors and about his time in the agricultural department. After he began farming, he enjoyed working with the School of Agriculture and Extension Service. The beginning of their life together in Auburn set up a love for the school, town, and friendships that would last a lifetime.
Jack lived fully, gave selflessly, and pointed his family to the Lord. It is evident in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All could tell stories of going out to the fields in Papa’s truck and helping pick cotton or riding around to check on the cows. His love of his family, church, and community was always evident and made a tremendous impact on their lives.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Douglass Vandiver, his brother Raymond Franklin Vandiver Jr., sister-in-law Martha McCown Vandiver, and brother-in-law Thomas Harold Birchfield.
He is survived by his sons John W Vandiver, Jr. (Beth) and Philip Keith Vandiver (Becky). He greatly loved his grandchildren: Lauren Vandiver Pelto (Tommy), Taylor Vandiver Reeder (Drake), Bryan Douglass Vandiver (Katie), Keith Douglass Vandiver and Victoria Mae Vandiver, in addition to his two great-grandchildren, James Allen Reeder and Evelyn Grace Pelto. He is also survived by his younger sister, Martha Vandiver Birchfield and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
A visitation will be held Friday, December 2nd at 10:00 am at Mount Zion Baptist Church sanctuary, with a funeral service following at 11:30 am. A graveside service will follow at Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Thomas Harold Birchfield II, Thomas Craig Pelto, Jr., Drake Allen Reeder, Russell Lee Skinner, David Fried Thorpe, Bryan Douglass Vandiver, Raymond Franklin Vandiver III and Keith Douglass Vandiver.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
