Adrian Jack Lively

Adrian Jack Lively, 81, of Autaugaville, Alabama, died January 29, 2022, after a brief illness. Jack was born March 2, 1940, in Birmingham, Alabama and raised in and around the City of Jasper, in Walker County, Alabama. Jack, or “Buster” as he was known in his youth, had bigger dreams than the coal mines of Walker County could provide, so at the age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and started his journey on what would become an amazing life. Jack’s 20 years of service in the Air Force would take him around the world. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, serving his country as an

air traffic controller. While in Vietnam, during his off-duty hours, Jack volunteered as a “door gunner” on helicopter missions taking supplies in, and wounded soldiers out, of combat zones. For his service, Jack was awarded the Bronze Star and was honored with a ceremonial Green Beret. After his second tour of Vietnam, Jack was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base, where, at the ripe old age of 37, he retired from military service and begin his post military life. Soon after his retirement, Jack was called back into the control tower by the FAA due to a nation-wide strike of air traffic controllers. After his service with the FAA, Jack embarked on his second career as mail-handler with the United States Postal Service, where he spent the final 20 years of his working career. But, for Jack it was certainly not a case of all work and no play. Jack was well known on the banks of the Alabama River as one of the main nemeses of the crappie, bream and bass. When not on the river fishing, you would probably find Jack in the woods, hunting. His love of hunting and fishing took him far and wide, from the Teton Mountains of Wyoming to the blue waters of Costa Rica. But the outdoors wasn’t his only avenue for entertainment. More than a few lost their money to Jack in a friendly game of pool. In his day, he was a solid performer in the area bowling leagues. And those who knew “Buster” knew what a showboat he was on a pair of roller skates. He even played softball until he broke his ankle sliding into second base – the only broken bone he ever had in his life; an amazing feat considering that his time in the Alcazar Shrine’s Motorcycle Corp was cut short when he was struck by an 18-wheeler while riding his motorcycle and thrown 50 feet. Although that incident would curtail Jack’s motorcycling adventures for a while, after retirement he rediscovered his love of the open road and became an active member in the “In Country Vets Motorcycle Club” and was a charter member of the local “American Legion Riders” group. Jack would even combine his love of riding and hunting when he famously collided with a mule deer on his motorcycle while attending the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. Yet, through it all, Jack maintained a duty to service. After being stationed at Maxwell, Jack became a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Autauga County Sheriff’s

Office under the guidance of his great friend, Sheriff Robert Turner. Jack was also active in the local Masonic Lodge, where he would serve as Worshipful Master on two occasions along with other leadership roles in the Lodge. One of Jack’s greatest honors was receiving his “50 Year Pin” from the Masons. Jack was also active in the local VFW and American Legion. And, though he was quiet about it, Jack also gave generously to local charities and causes close to his heart.

Jack is survived by his sons David Lively (Brenda) and Richard Lively; grandson Zachary Lively (Nora) and their daughter, Summer Rose; granddaughter Caitlin Lively; sisters Sharon Cook (Danny) and Misty Crafton; nieces Jennifer Roberts and Tina Sharpe; beloved nephew Austin Crafton, who introduced Jack to the pleasures of gourmet coffee and almond milk, nephew Captain Thorlin Sharpe (Liberti) and their son, Jasper; niece Jordan Pride and her daughter, Amelia; and kindred spirit, Brother-in-Law Max

Ray Dodd.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Garland Lively and Maxine Lively, his wife, Mabeline Cook Lively; brother, Garland Ray Lively, sister Gay Elizabeth Roden and nephew Michael Ray Lively.

Honorarium donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, 860 Dolwick Drive, Erlanger, KY 41018

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsprattvillechapel.com for the Lively family.