John Anthony Wilmer, born August 4, 1947, passed peacefully on April 29, 2025, following a courageous fight against Corticobasal Syndrome. He was surrounded by loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Alice Jane Acuff Wilmer and Harry Anthony Wilmer.
Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Tucker Wilmer; two daughters, Sydney Martin and her husband Matthew and Callie Moss and her husband Adam; four grandchildren, Edward, Adair, Zella and Frances; brothers W. Joseph Wilmer (Re-Naye) of Huntsville, James F. Wilmer (Karen) of Charleston, S.C.; and sister Alice Belle Stowe of Atlanta.
John holds a B.A. from the University of Alabama, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He earned his J.D. degree from Samford University, Cumberland School of Law and his LL.M. in Labor Law from New York University. He was a member of the Pennsylvania and Alabama bars. He served as counsel to the National Labor Relations Board and a legal advisor to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He practiced Labor and Employment Law for over 50 years and was a founding member of Wilmer & Lee, P.A.
John was also active in many civic organizations, including serving on the board of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. He loved art and music, never missing an opportunity to dance with his girls to Frank Sinatra or Billie Holiday. He loved traveling the world with his wife, and his passion for law and Alabama sports was unmatched. And wherever he went, he saw a friend or made one – always making them smile.
There will be a private family graveside service. Visitation will be from 12 pm – 2 pm Monday, May 5, 2025 at First United Methodist Church of Huntsville (120 Greene St SE, Huntsville, AL 35801) with services immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 2400, Huntsville, AL 35804 (https://www.hso.org/support/donate/).
