John Vail

John Clifford Vail, age 81, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away at home on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The son of George and Mae (Minyard) Vail was born in Bessemer, Alabama on April 25, 1944. He lived in Alabama most of his life, moving to Florida in 1970. He lived in Colorado for a short time and moved to Arkansas after retiring from AT&T in 2000. He was a member of Alpena First Baptist Church.

John enjoyed watching TV and he was an avid lifelong University of Alabama fan. He loved to work outdoors. John had a big personality and loved to joke and laugh. He was soft spoken and always jolly – just like Santa Claus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Betty Vail; his brother, Edward Vail; his sister, Barbara Parker; a grandson, Jeffery Tillman; and the mother of his children, Doris Herndon.

John is survived by his son, James "Bo" Vail and wife Michelle; his daughter, Anne Vail; and his stepchildren, Kathy Smith and husband Bill, Mark Gunter and wife, Robin, and Bryan Gunter and wife Cynthia. He was Grandpa Johnny to 15 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and his church family.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Alpena First Baptist Church beginning at 10 AM, with the funeral service to follow at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Auman Cemetery under the direction of Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison.

Memorial donations can be made to Alpena First Baptist Church, PO Box 130, Alpena, AR, 72611.

Pallbearers are members of Alpena First Baptist Church.

On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com.

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