Neil Everett Lawler, age 90, passed away on October 27, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary T. Lawler (Betty), of 64 years and his son, Neil Alan Lawler (Regina), granddaughter, Kristen Caudle (Matt) and grandson, Neil Lawler Jr., great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jack and "baby" Brooks (Caudle). He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Layne Lawler, sister, Doris Gamble and great granddaughter, Kaylen Caudle. He was a WW II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serving in the Pacific area of operations, Korea and China. Everett graduated from West End High School and Birmingham Southern Conservatory of Music. He received his Master of Arts degree and PHD from the University of Alabama. Before teaching, Everett was employeed by US Steel for 12 years in the General Office. During this time he was an active musician and performed with numerous groups, shows and musical productions. In 1963 he reinstated his educational credentials and began his teaching career and full time music. As a band director he taught at Tarrant, Montevallo, Berry, Bessemer and Jess Lanier High Schools. Other musical activities included 20 years as the conductor of the Miss Alabama Pageant and 28 years as adjunct professor at UAB. While at UAB he started the UAB pep band for the new basketball program. Dr. Lawler also developed the idea of a jazz ensemble for advanced musicians to perform periodically under the sponsorship of UAB. This endeavor continued for over 39 years and exists today, known as "Super Jazz". Services will be held on Monday, October 31, at Shades Valley Lutheran Church, 720 Shades Creek Parkway. Visitation at 10:00, Funeral Service at 11:00, followed by The Committal. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Music Ministry of Shades Valley Lutheran Church.
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