Jack Zuiderhoek

Jack R. Zuiderhoek, age 78 of Alabaster, Alabama, passed away at his home on Friday, December 16, 2016. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Brown Zuiderhoek and Lena Grace Roy Zuiderhoek.

He is survived by his wife Ann Zuiderhoek, daughters, Lisa Zuiderhoek Hearn (Carey) of Alabaster, Tish Zuiderhoek Berresford (Jerrod) of Armuchee, Ga., grandchildren, Lindsie Hearn Acton (Ryan), Reed Hearn and Dylan Berresford.

He graduated from Thompson High School and then went to work for Hayes Aircraft. He later ran a convenience store on Hwy. 31 then a store in Siluria, then yet another on First Avenue. He worked at Apex in Calera for 2 years.

In 1972, Jack found himself on the City Council and served until 1978, when he was appointed Mayor. Eighteen months later he resigned to take over the position of Superintendent of Public Works for Alabaster, where he worked for 25 years.

In 1980, he was selected Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. He also organized the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Board and was instrumental in the purchase of 45 acres of land for park space. He was also an active THS Band Booster and THS Athletic Booster. The football field house, lights and running track were products of his influence and determination. Field No. 1 at Warrior Park is named Jack Zuiderhoek Field. He was also on the Zoning Board for 25 years.

What most people didn’t know about him was that he liked to help people. Jack is well known among the young and old. Jack was an Auburn fan, golfer, coffee drinker, basketball “nut” and used to be a softball umpire and played softball in his younger days.

He and Ann are members of Community Baptist Church off Hwy. 17, where he was an usher until he couldn’t do it anymore.

Viewing will be from 10am to 12pm with the funeral at 12pm on Wednesday, December 21st at Community Baptist Church Hwy. 17, Maylene, Alabama. Rev. Bo Brown will officiate. Burial will be in Elliottsville Cemetery on Hwy. 119 South, Alabaster, Alabama. The services will be handled by Rockco Funeral Home (Montevallo).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Community Baptist Children’s Church, 8254 Hwy. 17, PO Box 159, Maylene, Alabama 35114.