Pat Murphy Courington, Jr., age 84, passed away the morning of January 18, 2026, peacefully at his home in Guntersville, surrounded by family and friends.
Pat Murphy Courington, Jr. was a lifelong leader, businessman, and devoted servant to his church and community, whose influence shaped Albertville and Marshall County for decades.
A graduate of Albertville High School, Class of 1959, Pat was later honored by his alma mater with induction into the Albertville High School Hall of Honor in 1989 and the Wall of Fame in 2011. He attended Snead Junior College before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Birmingham-Southern College in 1970, where he received The Wall Street Journal Award in Business. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and later became a founder and Phoenix member of the Alabama Iota chapter.
Pat served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964, followed by service in the Army Reserves.
A man of deep faith, Pat was a lifelong member of Albertville First United Methodist Church, where his commitment to ministry spanned decades. He served in nearly every leadership capacity, including Chairman of the Administrative Board, member of the Board of Trustees, Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, Finance Committee, and Chairman of the Renovation Committee. He was also devoted to youth ministry, serving as a youth counselor and coordinator.
Pat’s civic involvement was extensive and impactful. He served as President of the Albertville Chamber of Commerce and was named Albertville Citizen of the Year in 1994. He was deeply involved with the Albertville Rotary Club, serving as president and earning recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow. His leadership extended to economic development, housing, downtown revitalization, arts organizations, and countywide leadership initiatives.
A passionate supporter of youth development, Pat devoted many years to the Boy Scouts of America, serving in leadership roles at the district, council, and executive levels. In recognition of his service, he received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award in 1991.
Professionally, Pat was a respected leader in broadcasting, real estate, finance, and publishing. He served as president, managing partner, or founder of numerous businesses, including Courington Real Estate; Sand Mountain Broadcasting Service (WAVU-AM, WQSB-FM, and Broadcast Media Services WKXX); and multiple financial and lending institutions. He was widely honored within his industries, including being named Alabama Broadcaster of the Year in 2002 and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alabama Broadcasters Association.
Pat also served on numerous banking boards, including as Organizer and Chairman of the Board of Citizens Bank & Trust, and held leadership roles in state and national real estate organizations. His professional excellence was recognized through multiple Who’s Who listings and industry awards.
The community will remember him for his leadership, integrity, generosity, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and community—an enduring legacy reflected in the institutions he helped build and the countless lives he influenced through service and mentorship.
Those closest to him will remember Pat as a devoted friend and family man. More than any title or achievement, he treasured being Jeannie’s husband and Ashley’s father. They were his greatest joy, his constant pride, and the love that grounded him every day.
Survivors include his wife, Jeannie; their daughter, Ashley Mastin (Alex) of Guntersville; and his sister, Chella Courington (Ted Childs) of Santa Barbara, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doris Williams Courington and Pat Murphy Courington, Sr.; his son, Pat Courington III; and his daughter, Chella Anne Courington.
The family will receive friends at Adams Brown Service Funeral Home in Albertville on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
A lie in state will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Albertville First Methodist Church, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Mark Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Albertville First Methodist Church, St. Jude Research Hospital, or to the charity of your choice.
