William Jennings Bryan Towery

May 9, 1948 - April 24, 2026

LHS '66

William Jennings Bryan Towery, 77, of Hernando, MS, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026. He was born on May 9, 1948, in Huntsville, AL to James and Bonnie Towery. He served 25 years (March 1968-June 1993) in the United States Navy as SKC-Chief Petty Officer, spending much of his time aboard the USS John Rodgers DD 983 (Destroyer). While stationed at NAV FAC Brawdy, Wales, UK, he met the love of his life, Janet. They were married on December 16, 1978, and spent 48 wonderful years together. Along with their two sons, they resided in many different cities through the years including Charleston SC, Havelock NC, Bremerton WA, and Millington TN. 

After retiring from the US Navy, Bryan graduated from the University of Memphis and had a long rewarding career as a software developer for the United States Postal Service from which he retired in 2018. He had many hobbies that he loved including the game of chess, building and programming computers, and attending all of his grandson's baseball games. He was a lover of chocolate, his favorite dessert being the brownies his granddaughter made for him. He was a longtime member of MENSA, that proved his remarkable intelligence. He was also a lifelong Crimson Tide fan of the University of Alabama. ROLL TIDE! 

William Towery is survived by his wife, Janet Towery of Hernando MS, his two sons, Martin Towery (Shelley) of Southaven MS, and Paul Towery (Paula) of Hernando MS, and his two grandchildren, Lauren Towery and Rylan Towery, both of Hernando MS. Bryan was preceded in death by his father, James Howard Towery and his mother, Bonnie Ilene (Moon) Towery. Bryan and his siblings, each of whom were affectionately nicknamed by their maternal Grandmother, Katie Bertie Patterson Moon, are as follows: Surviving siblings include older sister Rose Sharon ("Sis") Towery Linsky of Harvest AL, and youngest brother Martin Eugene ("Snookums") Towery who resides in Huntsville AL. 

Bryan ("Buster") was preceded by a half-sister, Gloria Beatrice Towery Hearod, and two brothers, James Ryan ("Jack") Towery of Huntsville AL, and Brents Edward ("Cooter") Towery of Hazel Green AL. "Uncle Buster", as Bryan was affectionately referred to is survived by several generations of nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Hernando Funeral Home. Visitation at 1pm, service at 2pm. Followed by burial at Desoto Memorial Gardens.

Remembering the East Clinton Patrol Boys

Tommy Towery

LHS ‘64

While looking through my computer files, I came upon this photo. The arrow points to me, and there are several Lee classmates in the photo.

The Huntsville Patrol Boys

Willard Finkbinder

In the 1950s, Huntsville’s Patrol Boy organization was a civic-minded youth safety program run through local elementary schools, teaching responsibility and leadership while helping manage pedestrian safety near campuses.

Origins and Purpose

The Patrol Boy program (sometimes called School Safety Patrol) was part of a nationwide initiative sponsored by the AAA (American Automobile Association) beginning in the 1920s. By the 1950s, Huntsville schools—especially those near busy streets like Clinton Avenue had adopted it. Boys (and occasionally girls later) were selected by teachers and principals for their reliability and good citizenship.

Their main duties included:

Assisting younger students crossing streets before and after school

Monitoring bus loading zones

Reporting unsafe behavior to teachers or principals

Wearing white sashes and badges (as seen in your photo) to signify authority and service

Local Structure in Huntsville

In Huntsville, Patrol Boys were organized at schools such as East Clinton Elementary, West Huntsville, Dallas Mill, and Monte Sano. Each school had a Patrol Captain and Lieutenants, often supervised by a faculty advisor or a Huntsville Police liaison.

The Huntsville Police Department provided training on traffic safety and discipline.

Patrol Boys sometimes participated in citywide parades or school assemblies, recognized for their service.

The program was considered a stepping stone toward civic responsibility—many alumni later joined Boy Scouts, ROTC, or local law enforcement.

Uniforms and Recognition

Typical attire included:

White cotton sash with a metal badge reading “School Patrol”

Occasionally a cap or armband

Certificates of merit issued by the Huntsville City Schools or AAA Alabama Division

Annual recognition events were held at the Huntsville Recreation Center or Big Spring Park, where Patrol Boys were honored for accident-free records and leadership.

Cultural Context

In the 1950s, Huntsville was transitioning from a mill town to a growing aerospace hub. The Patrol Boy program reflected that civic pride—parents and teachers viewed it as a way to instill discipline and community service.

The Wayback Machine

It's sad to report the passing of Bryan Towery. Bryan was a third cousin of mine (our great-grandfathers were brothers) and I knew him since at least 1960 when we were in the same Boy Scout Troop together. Bryan was working at the University of Memphis when I went to work there and although we did not socialize a lot, we ran into each other often on campus. I got to see his family, including Rose Sharon Towery, LHS '64, during the visitation for his service. We will miss him.

Last Week's Questions, Answers, And Comments

Kathy Jones, LHS '66, "Dub Carroll was not a Lee Classmate, but he was married to Carol Jean Williams Carroll and always seemed like he was part of our FamiLee.  Here is the Obituary for James DuBois “Dub” Carroll, 80, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Dub was a devoted husband, loving parent, and proud grandparent whose life was defined by kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. A simple man with a giving heart, he was the kind of person who would offer his jacket to someone in the cold or a meal to anyone in need. His quiet compassion and selflessness left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

A passionate follower of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Dub found great joy in sharing his faith and teaching others about the goodness and grace of God. His life was a testament to the values he believed in, and he lived each day striving to reflect that light to others.

Dub spent most of his career as an insurance agent, where he built more than just a client base—he built relationships. Those he worked with quickly learned they could depend on him not only for guidance, but for genuine friendship and care.

Having been a part of his community for 80 years, Dub rarely met a stranger. His presence was familiar and comforting, and his absence will be deeply felt by many.

In his free time, Dub enjoyed playing rounds of golf, taking long trips to the beach, and actively participating in his local church. These simple joys, shared with those he loved, brought him great happiness.

Dub was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol J. Carroll; his parents, J.D. and Drexal Carroll; his son, John D. Carroll “Mutt”; and his grandson, Jeremiah D. Carroll.

He is survived by his brother, Deryl Carroll; his son, Jeffrey D. Carroll (Lisa); his grandson, Joshua D. Carroll (Ashby); and his great-grandson, Jahnas D. Carroll.

Though his body grew weary with time, his spirit remains eternal. The Lord has called him home, and we rejoice in knowing he is reunited with loved ones in the Kingdom of God. What a glorious celebration it must be—Hallelujah!

Dub will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched with love, kindness, and faith."