Johnny Lamar Dyess

Johnny Lamar Dyess, age 66, of Elba, Alabama, departed this life on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at his home in Elba. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from the Elba High School Auditorium with Rev. Michael Coleman and Rev. Ken Wilson officiating. Committal services will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Elba High School Auditorium on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westside Baptist Church or the Elba Athletic Club. Johnny graduated from Elba High School in 1978 and had played sports from the time he could hold a ball; in a picture of his infant son, his father lovingly wrote “fullback of the future.” He walked on to the University of Alabama football program, playing running back under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, and later graduated from Troy University. Johnny completed his work career with Elba City Schools, where his love of cutting grass was evident in the immaculate appearance of the school grounds. He began coaching at the little league level and continued at both Elba City and Opp City junior high and high Schools, impacting hundreds of young people over the years. His greatest joy was leading and encouraging the youth of the community. He enjoyed playing softball in earlier years, and golf had become a passion. Johnny faithfully served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and custodian at Westside Baptist Church, where he was known as a loyal and devoted servant. He loved the Lord with all his heart and lived as a “Good and Faithful servant.” Johnny is survived by his brother, Tim Dyess of Elba, Alabama; niece Bethany (Hunter) Norris of Montgomery, Alabama; great‑nephews Thomas Hayden Norris and Jacob Bryson Norris, both of Montgomery, Alabama; uncle Tom (Elizabeth) Dyess of Elba, Alabama; uncle Marlin (Lela Ann) Dyess of Montgomery, Alabama; Aunt Nan (Grover) Jacobs of Montgomery, Alabama; and special family friend, Melinda Rogers of Elba, Alabama. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents Wilson Percy Dyess and Clara Ann Spurlin Dyess.

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama, is serving the Dyess family.