Jackie O.J. McLaney

Jackie O.J. McLaney, 86, of Lockhart, AL. Born to Cleburn McLaney and Willie Belcher in Florala, AL. Jackie joined the AL National Guard at the age of 16.  His parents had to sign for approval due to his young age. He then served in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 for 2 years and obtained the specialist rank of E-4.  He was stationed in Germany at the same time as Elvis. Jackie said they talked about home and their mothers. Elvis actually talked to Mrs. McLaney on the phone. Our Dad was very proud that he received the Expert Infantryman Badge while stationed in Germany, 1959. It is an award given to soldiers who have demonstrated mastery of critical infantry skills. Jackie had a multitude of jobs from childhood until retirement. He worked on the family farm in Lockhart, had a paper route, delivered milk and butter, and worked at the Florala movie theater. Jackie was proud that he had helped his father and mother through his jobs growing up. He was a trained welder and used that trade in many jobs, including the railroad. Jackie joined the Pensacola Fire Dept. in 1962. He worked his way up to Driver and then to Captain. His children enjoyed visiting him and the other firemen while he was at the station. Those were wonderful memories. He worked at least 2 jobs during his entire career, including welding jobs and later on was a car salesman. Jackie and his wife, Faye, trained and boarded many horses at McLaney Stables in Cantonment while raising their 3 children. Some of those horses became champions.

After becoming a widower when his second wife passed, Jackie returned to his hometown of Lockhart, AL, in the year 2005, to enjoy retirement. He became a member of Westside Baptist Church after his beloved Lockhart Primitive Baptist Church closed. Preceded in death by his wives, Faye Wilkerson Biggs and Lauren McLaney, daughter Lori Stokvis, his parents, siblings:  Argie Lee, Aubie Dee, Wilson, Edward, and Lucile.

Jackie leaves behind a daughter, Tonya Cummings and her husband John, along with their children, John Jr., Connor, and Jackson; the children of his deceased daughter, Samantha and Jack; his son, Scott McLaney and his wife Kelly, along with their children, Leah, Jordan, Jacob, and Adam.  In addition to those 9 grandchildren, there are 7 beautiful great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Services to be held 12PM Saturday, February 15th at Evans Funeral Home, with Pastor Phil McMillan officiating. Burial at Bayview Cemetery, Pensacola, FL.  Visitation will be one hour before service.