John L Putman

May 15, 1939 – August 25, 2016

John Lloyd Putman, known to many as “Put,” lived a truly extraordinary life. Many would question whether his going blind from age 15 was a disability or a blessing. Most would say he lived life as if it were a blessing.

John was born in Hanceville, Alabama, and attended Tarrant High School. Even with blindness progressing, he was a member of the school newspaper staff. As an active and well-liked student he was elected “King” and president of the senior class.

He entered Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) in 1957 and graduated in 1961 with a major in psychology. While at BSC he was active in the ATfraternity and later served as National President for five years. He was elected Mr. Hilltopper in 1961, an indicator of his extraordinary popularity among students. He joined the first intercollegiate wrestling team formed at BSC. He was elected president of his graduating class.

John enrolled at the University of Mississippi and earned a Masters degree in psychology. He continued his studies at the University of Miami and left to take a teaching job at Athens College where he was voted Outstanding Professor one year. His lectures were very popular; some classes were moved to the auditorium to accommodate students and visitors. John had a very engaging and charismatic personality and was promoted from the classroom to Vice President for Development. His career as a professional motivational speaker started while at Athens.

He left academia for the private business world, assuming the position of Director of Employee Relations and Public Affairs at Spaco, a space exploration support firm in Huntsville.

John pursued his inspirational approach to life by accepting the Presidency of Outstanding Americans Foundation. He traveled throughout the U.S. and joined the governor of each state in making awards to young persons who had made superior accomplishments.

In 1967 John received one of the highest awards to a young American. The U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) named him one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of America – an honor bestowed previously to men such as John Kennedy, Henry Ford, and Leonard Bernstein. He became one of the most frequent keynote speakers at subsequent award ceremonies.

Prior to becoming Worthy Grand Chief (National President) of the ATO Fraternity, the High Council bestowed upon John the honorary title of ATO Ambassador at Large in recognition of the high visibility and support he gave the fraternity in public appearances. During his five years as President John visited all but three chapters in the U.S. He stimulated growth of the fraternity at the rate of five new chapters a year on college campuses.

During the Reagan Administration John received an appointment to the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C. He served as an Intergovernmental Relations Officer and received recognition for his instrumental role in designation by the United Nations of the International Year of Disabled Persons. He also authored the proclamation signed by the President for “National Year of Voluntarism.”

John received many unique honors. The State of Florida declared a “John Putman Day,” and John skied with the famous Cypress Garden Team. He was awarded the Golden Plate Award by the American Academy of Achievement the same year as Bob Hope and John Wayne, recognizing them as the most popular speakers on U.S. college campuses. He was on the Mike Douglas show with Muhammad Ali, former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley, Van Johnson, June Allison, and Michael Landon. The Alabama State Legislature passed a resolution honoring John for his service to the state.

John had a natural gift for sharing with others his enthusiasm and positive approach to living. He spent most of his career as a full time professional speaker, including a period as an employee of SouthTrust Bank and later South Central Bell giving good will motivational speeches to schools and other groups in Alabama and four other states. He became self-employed with an agent and was in demand as an inspirational speaker to major national and international conventions, college campus groups, business meetings, and organizations. Throughout his career he delivered more than 5,000 speeches in 49 states and 39 countries. He was a dramatic example of his major theme, “Make the most of what you have.” He talked about serious subjects – the privilege of being an American, living in a democratic society, and freedom – with an extraordinary sense of humor that made persons laugh, and left them inspired to reach their potential and make their contribution to making the world a better place.

John had a charismatic, magnetic personality. He had the unusual ability to connect and make multiple persons feel like they were his best friends – all at the same time. He probably felt like each was his best friend. That long string of best friends and his family will miss him.

John was one of four brothers. He is survived by brother Jim who lived with and cared for him for many years; sister-in-law Joan; four nieces, and one nephew. He is predeceased by brothers Frank and Jack and his parents, Harry and Mattie Putman.

His funeral will be held at 10:00AM on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Bethlehem East Cemetary, 775 County Road 541, Hanceville, AL. Reverend Robert Gunn will conduct the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to the endowment of the John L. Putman Award at Birmingham-Southern College, 900 Arkadelphia Road, Box 549003, Birmingham, AL 35254.