Mr John Francis Hesse

November 11, 1932 - January 7, 2021

John Francis Hesse, a lifelong resident of Foley, passed away peacefully at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola on Thursday, January 7th, 2021 at the age of 88. He was born at home in Foley on November 11th, 1932 to the late Frances Née Schulte and John Elbert Hesse. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of sixty two years, Carolyn Crook Hesse, his son John Michael Hesse, his sister Bernice Harrison of Atmore, his brother Edward J. (Eddie) Hesse of Foley, and granddaughter Kristina Tamara Koehle. Survivors include daughter Lisa Hesse Woodson (Sam), sister Catherine Lehmann of Summerdale, sister Mary Ann Strain (Bill) of Richmond Virginia, daughter-in-law Kim Enfinger Hesse, grandchildren Heather Woodson Harden (RJ), Brandi Newman (Clint), Grant Hesse, Hannah Hesse, step-granddaughters Melissa Woodson Reynolds and Tiffany Enfinger Epperson (Jerry), great-grandchildren Karis Koehle Phillips, Henley Rose Harden, Reagan Elizabeth Harden, Madison Catherine Harden, Layla Newman, Railey Newman, Max Newman, and step-great-grandchildren Rex Samuel Reynolds and Lauren Morse. John was a business owner which included his family’s business, Foley Fish Company, where he started helping his daddy after school at the age of eight. He and Carolyn later owned and operated a souvenir shop in Gulf Shores named “The Balloonacy” where they were noted for their tie dye clothing and accessories. John loved football. He was a huge Alabama fan, played football at Foley High School, and later officiated as a referee for high school games. John attended Foley Elementary School, St. Benedict’s School, and graduated from Foley High School. After graduation John served on the Navy ship LST 819 during the Korean War and later loved reminiscing about his time in the Navy. John’s hobbies included watching SEC football, especially The University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), spending time at the beach, drawing, enjoying his pets, reading, cooking, watching old movies, photography, listening to music, going out dancing with Carolyn, working crossword puzzles, reading the funny papers, exercising, and spending time with family. John was a man of strong faith and a lifetime member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Foley. He was a gentle, patient, and humble man with a great sense of humor. A graveside service will be held Friday, January 15th, 2021 at 11:30 AM at St. Margaret’s of Scotland Catholic Church Cemetery located at 601 West Laurel Avenue in Foley, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: St. Margaret’s of Scotland Catholic Church Building Fund 601 West Laurel Avenue Foley, Alabama 36535 or Catholic Charities P.O. Box 230 Mobile, Alabama 36601 Arrangements by Pine Rest Funeral Home 16541 U.S. 98 Foley, Alabama 36535