OBITUARY
John Adams Early
November 9, 1931 – February 9, 2014
John Adams Early
"The Mustang Man"
John Adams Early, age 82 of Pensacola, FL died February 9, after an extended illness. John was born in Chattanooga, TN on November 9, 1931 to Edwards Donald Early and Emma Virginia Adams Early. John was a direct descendant of John Adams, the 2nd President of the United States on his mothers line.
He grew up in Signal Mt. TN, north of Birmingham.John attended local schools until the 8th grade; he then enrolled in the McCallie Military School at Chattanooga. He claimed he was a poor student but did well on his college entrance exams and thus gained admission to Yale University. He then transferred to the University of Florida at Gainesville, earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree and married the former Martha Alice Kelly of Huntsville, AL on August 21, 1954.After graduation John entered the US Navy flight program in Pensacola, FL. Following a reduction in force action by the Navy, Ensign Early transferred to the Naval Facilities Engineer Command. After a short time at the Civil Engineer School, he returned to Pensacola as a 3rd Officer on the Engineering Staff of the Chief of Naval Air Basic Training. Upon leaving the service on October 14, 1959, John worked for Pensacola Prestressed Concrete, The firm of Look & Morrison Architects and finally returned to the Navy as a civilian Architect with the Facility MGT Office NAS Pensacola until he retired.Soon after leaving the Navy he entered a partnership with F.R. Fritz and formed the Architectural Drafting firm of "Technical Arts." As the adjunct to the Technical Arts, he established the first Local Artist Sales and Rental Gallery in Pensacola, leasing space from the Pensacola Museum of Art.
John's first love after partying was cars, starting with a hot rod he and his father built during his teenage years. This love took flight when the Ford Motor Co. created the "Mustang," John bought what was likely the first Mustang air-conditioned convertible in Pensacola. He started a pre-owned car business, "C&E Motors" on Navy Blvd, in Warrington, primarily specializing in Vintage Mustangs and gained the title "Mustang Man."John built and drove race cars at Five Flags and other local tracks for several years until heart problems barred him from driving. He continued to be involved with racing as a car owner and crew chief for the Ron Joyner Racing Team until his recent illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Martha Kelly Early.John is survived by his sister, Virginia Culberson of Mobile, AL; nieces and nephews; his fiancée, Anna Michelle Edwards and her children, Amy L. Betchy-Massey, Jeremy J. Betchy; 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00pm. Funeral services will be held at Oak Lawn Funeral Home on Friday, February 14 at 11:30am with interment to follow at Barrancas National Cemetery. Oak Lawn Funeral home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Services
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
- Visitation Thursday, February 13, 2014
- Funeral Service Friday, February 14, 2014
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
- Celebration of Life Event
REMEMBERING
John Adams Early
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RECEIVE UPDATESMarch 13, 2014
R . I . P . The Mustang Man,
John Adams Early direct descendant of John Adams one of the founding fathers and the 2nd president of our once great country. He was a friend, a role model, and my step-dad. A great man with a gigantic heart, taken to be with God's angels. He was ready for the struggle to be over and now he's resting peacefully.
Jeremy Betchy
March 6, 2014
March 6, 2014
Connie S
February 13, 2014
It was a pleasure to work with John at Warrington VFD. He will be missed and I am sorry for the loss for his family.
Bob and Terri Staples
February 12, 2014
For all the years we have known John he always had a smile and a joke ready at the drop of a hat. He loved being the Mustang Man. He loved to play golf. And he loved my sister and her children. He loved it when the grandchildren called him grandpa. He will be missed by many.
Karl S.
February 12, 2014
Rest in Peace John I am Glad to have met you and to work with you with Warrington Volunteer Fire Department.
February 12, 2014
Mr.John was a very special man and he will be greatly missed I'm glad I had the pleasure of knowing him.
Mike & Robin Maljevac
Rodney McPherson
February 12, 2014
I will miss John more than I can put into words. He was a true friend that goes back so many years. Micki, I loved you both very much. My prayers are for you in that you can find comfort at a time of such hurt. Love, Rod McPherson
February 12, 2014
Micki I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We love you. Janet
Kimberly Betchy
February 12, 2014
Mr. Early was one of the most honest and intelligent people I have ever had the chance to meet. I am glad to have known him even for the short while I had.
Denise McKern
February 12, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a caring and loving man that usually had a smile on his face and willing to tell you a joke anytime. My prayers to his love ones and friends. Denise McKern
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Amy's Nursing Graduation
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John and Marissa
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Bradley's Graduation
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Bradley's Graduation
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John and Micki
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Bradley's Graduation
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John and Micki
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John and Alli
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John and Mikey
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IN THE CARE OF