Willie "Pop" Vaughn Jr.

Willie “Pop” Vaughn, Jr., age 89, of Gardendale, Alabama, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025. Born on Pine Mountain in Blount County, Alabama, Willie lived a long and meaningful life defined by faith, hard work, and deep devotion to his family. Willie was a member of Gardendale First Baptist Church for more than 20 years. He retired from the City of Birmingham after a 30-year career as a Public Works Supervisor, where he was known for his steady leadership and dedication to his community. After retirement, he continued his service to others by joining the City of Fultondale as their Public Works Director, a role he held for 15 years. Willie was also an integral part of the founding and construction of Lassiter Mountain Drag Strip, a place that remains important to many in the area. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Vaughn; his parents, Willie B. and Edna Tyler Vaughn; his granddaughter, Heather Vaughn; and his daughter-in-law, Pam Vaughn. Willie is survived by his sons, Ronnie (Tracey) Vaughn and Donnie (Wendy) Vaughn; grandchildren, Heath (Ashley) Vaughn, Jacob (Candace) Vaughn, and John (Caitlin) Vaughn; and his great-grandchildren, Allie Kate, Brynnen, Braelyn, Ava Grace, Camilla, Hudson, Mason, Charlotte, John David Jr., and Sydney. He is also survived by his sisters, Aileen Bailey and Peggy Harmon, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved him dearly. Willie was a funny, hardworking man whose family was the center of his world. If his health permitted, he never missed a ball game or event involving his grandchildren or great-grandchildren, always cheering them on with pride. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow, at Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home, 2214 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, Alabama. Willie will be laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Gardens, 2100 Moncrief Road, Gardendale, Alabama. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Southeast Hospice. A special thank you is extended to Pop’s caregiver, Judy Cooper, for the loving and exceptional care she provided throughout this journey.

Tributes

Willie "Pop" Vaughn Jr.

February 28, 1936 - November 19, 2025