John “Buddy” Heacock, a retired attorney with the firm of Lanier, Ford, Shaver & Payne, died peacefully on May 4, 2023 after a rapid decline in his health. A native of Alexander City, Alabama, he graduated from Indian Springs School. He was offered scholarships to several universities, but ultimately chose Harvard University for his undergraduate degree and Harvard Law School for his JD degree, which he received in 1965. He graduated magna cum laude and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honorary society. He was a member of the SAE social fraternity.
John served in the US Coast Guard prior to beginning his legal career of more than 35-years.
John was a member of the Huntsville Rotary Club, the ACME Club, Chairman of the Madison County Emergency Food & Shelter Committee, active in the Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association and a member of the first graduating class of the Huntsville-Madison County Leadership 2000 program. He was also the former Attorney for the Huntsville Housing Authority.
John loved to read, travel, and take his dog on long walks. He especially enjoyed Auburn football and playing games with his grandsons. John was a true gentleman, always courteous and respectful, and his sense of humor was ever-present.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Judy Byrne Heacock; daughter, Layne Pickett (Bry); grandchildren; Jackson and Louis Pickett of Nashville; sister, Kay Scott (David) of Plainsboro, NJ; sister-in-law, Barbara Ward; nephews, John Scott of Atlanta, Michael Ward (Cathy), and Robert Ward (Pam); niece, Nancy Glasgow (Steve); and great nieces and nephew, Hanly, Molly and Evan, all of Huntsville. He was preceded in death by his parents, John M. Heacock and Ann H. “Annie” Heacock and his stepson, Byrne Taylor.
A funeral service will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 208 Eustis Ave., Huntsville, AL on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 1:00 PM, followed by a reception at the church.
The family suggests memorial gifts may be made to The Episcopal Church of the Nativity, New Leash on Life, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
