John Carroll Starr Jr.

John Carroll Starr, Jr. passed away in peace Tuesday, October 3, 2023, following a brief illness. John was preceded in death by his parents John and Louise Starr, sisters Mary Etta Hill and Juanita Burns, and his wife of 34 years Rebecca “Becky” Sullivan Starr. He is survived by his wife of 28 years Barbara Southerland Starr and her children James Southerland (Stephanie), Jeffrey Southerland (Jeanette), Julie Southerland Allen (Jay); his children John Carroll Starr, III (Susan), Robert Horace Starr (Neila), Daniel Spencer Starr (Stephanie), Susan Starr Cooper (Bradford), Mary Starr Kelley (Bryan), and Kathleen Starr Moore (Matt) along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Following graduation from Robert E. Lee High School, John attended Auburn University majoring in Electrical Engineering. This became his life-long vocation joining his father in the electrical contracting business for over 25 years. In 1985, he and his family established Signal Construction Co. with the initial focus being traffic signal work, interstate overhead sign structures, and highway lighting. John was a founding member and served as president of MECA (Montgomery Electrical Contractors Association). Parallel to his business career, John also had a commitment to public service. He served on the Montgomery Planning Commission, eventually becoming chairman. He later served on the Montgomery City Council and in the Alabama House of Representatives. At that time, the state remained a Democrat stronghold with John being one of only eight Republicans in the 105-member House of Representatives. Knowing his commitment to public service, Governor George Wallace went to the Speaker of the House and specifically requested that John be appointed to the Rules Committee, the most powerful committee in the House of Representatives. John read every bill he ever voted on and sponsored numerous pieces of legislation, many of which remain in effect in the State of Alabama today.

John became a member of the Jaycees in 1962, serving on its board as External Vice President and led to his work assisting with multiple charities in Montgomery. John was also a member of the National Guard, joining in 1958. He was called to active duty during the Berlin Air Crisis and the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion.

John and his family love Montgomery and strive to improve every day. He was a communicant of Holy Spirit Catholic Church where he served in leadership positions, additionally with the Montgomery Ballet, Seaton Haven, St. Bede School, including The Montgomery “Committee 0f 100”.

Visitation will be held at Leak Memory Chapel in Montgomery on October 9, 202,3 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm, with Holy Rosary at 7:00 pm in the chapel. Private graveside services will be held the following day. A Memorial Mass and reception for John will be held from Holy Spirit Catholic Church at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Starr and Southerland family.