John Clifford Foster III

John Clifford Foster III died peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 11, 2026. He lived a full life in his 86 years. Born and raised in Opp, Alabama, Clifford was the son of Celeste Gresham Foster and John Clifford Foster, Jr. Clifford took great pride in the family business his father started, Foster Oil Company, and the family history in and around Covington County.

Clifford attended Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia where he made great friends as a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, earned his BS in Commerce, and graduated in 1961. Following W&L, he earned his law degree from the University of Alabama, and his Masters in Taxation from New York University.

While a student at W&L, Clifford learned to fly privately, and subsequently completed USAF pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base and Nellis Air Force Base. He served as a pilot in the Alabama Air National Guard, flying the RF-84 Thunderflash.

Upon graduating NYU, Clifford moved to Mobile, Alabama and began his career with Armbrecht, Jackson, DeMouy, Crowe, Holmes and Reeves. He went on to practice at Miller Hamilton before starting his own firm.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, Celeste and Clifford, his older sister Lynne Foster Mathews, his younger brother William Scott Foster, his son-in-law Samuel E. Beall V, and his dear friend Alyce Perez Counts. He is survived by his former wife Eugenia Cameron Foster, their four children John Clifford Foster IV (Carter), Muriel Foster Schelke (Steef), Genia Foster Benton, and Mary Celeste Beall. His grandchildren are Clifford and Greer Foster; Leyden and Anabel Schelke; Eugenia, Rivers, and Reed Benton; Cameron, Sam, Rose, Josephine, and Lila Beall. Also surviving Clifford are nieces and nephews Cissy Mathews Brown, Skipper Mathews, Scott and Gresham Foster, and his sister-in-law Carlee Foster. His happiest days were spent on the waters of Mary Esther and Destin, Florida, including many years living on his boat, entertaining family and friends. Navigating the Tennessee Tom Bigby River and the Black Warrior River between Mobile and Tuscaloosa for football season was a highlight of his boating days. His children owe their love for family fun on the water to their father, as well as their appreciation for Mardi Gras as Clifford was a long-time member of a mystic organization.

The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to the friends and caregivers who helped and cared for their father - Mary Westry, Debbie Mims, Brad Hearn, Nadine Robinson, Sharon Mitchell, and Red for keeping Dad’s cars going for the last 40+ years.

There will be a reception in Mobile at a later date, followed by a small graveside service in Mary Esther, Florida. Details will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Washington & Lee University, 204 W. Washington Street, Lexington, VA, 24450 or The Village of Spring Hill, 4358-B Old Shell Road, #145, Mobile, AL 36608.