John Hugh Talley, 86, a devoted father, husband, and Pawpaw passed away peacefully on May 25th, 2026, in Birmingham, AL, surrounded by his family.

Born on November 26th, 1939, in Lincoln, AL, to John E. Talley and Louise Hollingsworth, John Hugh grew up with a quiet strength and heart full of kindness - qualities that would define his entire life. In 1957, he graduated from Lincoln High School, and just two years later, he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Ray Talley. For 66 years, they walked side by side, building a life rooted in faith, devotion, and unwavering love. Together they raised three children, welcomed seven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. Their marriage was a living example of God’s grace, and the legacy they created will continue to shine through every generation that follows.

For 40 years, John Hugh dedicated himself to the Anniston Army Depot, rising to become one of the senior leaders in the Directorate of Maintenance. His work ethic was steady, humble, and dependable, but his impact reached far beyond his career. He also dedicated his time to his community by serving as head Scout Leader of Troop 137, a deacon at Lincoln Baptist Church, and the best plumber anyone in Lincoln could ever need.

He found joy in simple, meaningful things: tending the home and garden he and Carolyn cherished, sharing stories around his kitchen table, and being the steady heart of his family. His faith guided every step he took, and he lived as a true man of God—faithful, prayerful, and devoted to serving others with a gentle and unwavering spirit.

He leaves behind his wife, Carolyn; children, Hoby Talley (Robyn), Wendy Gohde (Allan), and Tara Combs (John); grandchildren, Hollie McReynolds (Kyle), Katie Sue Fleming (Jeremy), Haley Buzan (Tres), John P. Talley (Kat), Kelby Combs, Kaleb Combs, and Jake Talley; great-grandchildren, Milo, Everett, Peyton, Jonah, McKenzie, Parker, Nash, Ella Sue, and Pearce; siblings, Peggy Turner and Larry Talley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Eugene “Pete” Talley and Linda Louise Hollingsworth, sisters, Dorothy Jean Jolley and Judy Carol Labram, and brother, Harold David Talley.

John Talley, Kelby Combs, Kaleb Combs, Jake Talley, Kyle McReynolds, Tres Buzan, and Jeremy Flemming will serve as pallbearers.

A funeral ceremony will be held in his honor at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 28th, 2026, at Lincoln Baptist Church with Randy Howell officiating. His family will receive guests for visitation on May 28th, 2026, from 11:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children in John Hugh’s memory at www.donate.shrinerschildrens.org.

Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.