John Morgan Word

John Word, a much respected Restaurant and Hotel Owner of Mobile, AL, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2014. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Everett Word and Eddith Morgan Word Sudduth, sister, Ruth Fay Word, step-father, Joe Sudduth and twelve stepbrothers and stepsisters. John Morgan Word was born in Greenwood, MS on November 3, 1931. He was one of three children of John Everette and Eddith Morgan Word. Mr. Word graduated from Florida State University in 1958 with a degree in Restaurant Hotel Business Management. He moved to New York City, where he managed the luxury Biltmore Hotel and later the Hay Adams in Washington, D.C. He made Savannah, GA his home for ten years working as the restaurant and bar manager at the Bohemian Hotel. After moving to Mobile in 1975, one of the first and most successful restaurants Mr. Word opened was The Captain's Table Seafood Restaurant and Battleship Inn on the causeway. Mr. Word collected WWII pictures from family, friends and customers for many years and he established a museum of history along with his love of Jazz music and music from the WWII era. Being located next to the USS Alabama has brought in tourists from all around the world, and with that being said, the Port City of Mobile has gained longtime international business relationships. In 1982, he bought and renovated John Word's Place Downtown at 362 Dauphin St. This unique and sophisticated venue featured a downstairs cellar piano bar, cozy fine dining and an upstairs Jazz Room. Many notable artists performed there and gained a national and international audience. In 1987 he opened up John Word's Twickingham Station and Sports Bar on the beltline, he specially transported a 18 to 20 ft. Cactus from Tucson, AZ and had it placed in the main room next to the train car dining area with each seat named and numbered. This restaurant like the others, was known for excellent quality steaks and seafood. Mr. Word loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. He was always known to have his black labs by his side. Other pleasures were travelling and fast German sports cars. There was nothing that could hold him back and he was always up for a challenge. He often gathered a large group of family and would fly them to either Breckenridge, CO or Vancouver, Canada for skiing trips twice a year. John made sure his mother had the opportunity to travel and see the country. It was a joy to see his mother happy. John and Linda traveled several times to Europe taking the voyage on the Queen Elizabeth II and returning back to the USA by Concorde. John and Linda shared a wonderful life and marriage for 31 years, building a beautiful family together. His joking sense of humor always kept people laughing and he had nicknames for people he liked best. He loved working and making his rounds around the restaurant daily to speak and see his longtime regular customers and friends. Mr. Word has loyal, supportive longtime employees that have been with him 30-40 years. He had a reputation of helping people and going out of his way at any length to help others in need. He supported and donated to local charities, community organizations and local businesses. The family would like to express their appreciation and love for all the faithful employees and patrons of Mr. Word's businesses. Mr. Word is survived by his wife, Linda Reed Word, six children, Donny Reed, Ashley Griffin (Chris), Morgan Word, John (Kyle) Word, Connor Word, Jaden Word and grandson, Phoenix Griffin. He is also survived by his siblings, Margaret Word Hughes, James Hughes, Sr., two nephews, James (Sandra) Hughes, Jr. (Bradley, Anna, Reagan and Hayden), Robert (Mary) Hughes (Margo, Shane and Julie), aunt, Sister Jane DeChantal, step-sister, Sue Poole and a host of other uncles, aunts, cousins and close friends. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 7, 2014 11:00 a.m. at the Visitation Monastery Church on Springhill Ave. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.