Homer "Art" Arthur Mawhinney Jr.

Art was born to parents Homer Arthur and Margaret Ellen (McCartan) Mawhinney of Washington, Pennsylvania. A son of a steel salesman, Art grew up in Buffalo, Chicago, and Homewood along with two brothers and a sister. He attended John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, Alabama, and Auburn University, where he joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity and also served as Superintendent of Social Affairs for the Student Government Association. It was at Auburn University that he met the love of his life, Joyce (Van Tassel) Mawhinney, a beauty and campus leader selected as Miss Auburn 1957 for her active and distinguished college career. Art completed his studies at Auburn that same year and was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFROTC). After receiving his commission, he entered flight school and became a fighter pilot. He served honorably for 20 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and flying over 100 missions in the F4 Phantoms during the Vietnam conflict.

Following retirement from the Air Force, Art began a new career as a lobbyist at the Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama, at first representing the Alabama Wholesale Beer Association and later, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. During more than 20 years of working with political leaders of both parties, Art established a reputation for unquestionable honesty and integrity, enhanced by his humor, natural charm, and an excellent golf game.

After successfully completing his second career, Art and Joyce shared many years of relaxation that included family get-togethers and reunions with former Air Force colleagues and his classmates from John Carroll High School.

Art is survived by his loving wife Joyce, of nearly 70 years; daughters Elizabeth Mawhinney and Katharine Mawhinney (Dan) and son Timothy Mawhinney (Lana); grandchildren Evan and Aimee Sznajderman, Grant Mawhinney and Kristopher Porter; great-grandson Wyatt; and siblings Barbara Addison (Rod) and Patrick Mawhinney (Teresa). He is preceded in death by parents Homer Mawhinney Sr. and Margaret Mawhinney, and by brother Robert Mawhinney.

A memorial service is scheduled at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood, AL, this coming Friday, October 16th. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., and the memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Art will be interred at the Alabama National Cemetery for veterans in Montevallo, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, donations in Art’s memory can be made to Wounded Warriors, Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Campaign, or the charity of your choice.