John Devlin Plaxco, 97, doting husband and proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday the 14th of March, 2021. He was born in December 1923 in South Carolina. He was the son of Reverend Moffatt Ross and Agnes Devlin Plaxco, the youngest of three children. John’s family moved to Louisville, Georgia and he attended Louisville Academy, where his father was also the head master. He attended Erskine College prior to transferring to Georgia Tech. Like others in the Greatest Generation he served in WWII graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1945. He entered active duty as an Ensign and served aboard the USS Omaha CL4 in the Atlantic and USS Steamer Bay CVE-87 in the Pacific. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Georgia Tech graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1947.

John began his professional career in Birmingham, Alabama as a draftsman for Southern Company Services. He spent 38 years with the company prior to retiring in 1986 after leading the electrical design department for many years. Birmingham was also where he met his true love, Jeanne. They met on the front steps of First Presbyterian Church after his first Sunday in 1948. When asked in 2019 where his favorite place in Birmingham was, he stated First Presbyterian for this very reason. John also served as an elder and deacon at the church.

John welcomed everyone he met with a generous heart. He was a talented woodworker creating treasured gifts for family, passionate about genealogy and history, avid tennis player and golfer, meticulous with his lawn care, and appreciated a good afternoon nap. Above all else he was devoted to Jeanne, his family, and friends.

He is survived by his son, John “Jack” Plaxco; daughter, Margaret Chandler; grandchildren, Lelia Wilcox (Ian), Kathryn Drake (Kory), John Plaxco (Kat Moore), Daniel Chandler (Megan Holder), David Chandler (Annie), Paul Chandler (Jessica), Marie Curtis (Quinn); great-grandchildren, Kathryn, Evelyn, Maggie Flynn, and Leda Wilcox; Rowan, Madelyn, and Felicity Drake; Annabelle and Sophia Chandler; Marcee Jeanne and Isabelle Chandler; and Boone and Lexi Curtis; brother-in-law, Marion Dick; sister-in-law, Allene Tynes; and many adoring nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69-years, Jeanne Tynes Plaxco; parents; brother, Moffatt Ross Plaxco, Jr.; sister, Mary Elizabeth Patrick; sister-in-law, Faye Tynes Dick; brother-in-law, Hubbard Armstrong Tynes and son, James Moffatt Plaxco.

A private graveside service will be held for family at Elmwood Cemetery, followed by a Memorial Service in the church at a later date. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to First Presbyterian Church, 2100 4th Avenue N, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 or First Light Shelter (for women and children), 2230 Fourth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Cards may be sent to

Family of John Plaxco
1109 Lido Drive
Birmingham, AL 35226