Jesse Johnson Andrews Jr., 83, a native of Weslaco, Texas, and a resident of Baldwin County since 1926, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009 at his home in Daphne.
He enlisted in the U.S. Marines at age 17, was in the first wave on Iwo Jima, Feb. 19, 1945 and was wounded on the eighth day.
He served numerous Pacific Campaigns and earned a Purple Heart for his wounds inflicted on Iwo Jima. He also served on Roi-Namor, Saipan and Tinian.
After completing his military service he returned to Fairhope High School where he graduated in 1946. He served eight years on the Daphne City Council and was an active member and Deacon at Daphne Baptist Church for many years.
He was a charter member of the VFW Post 5660, Fairhope. He was also a member of DAV and the Marine Corps. Association.
He was active with Telephone Pioneers of America and held the position of vice president and president. He retired from South Central Bell Telephone Company in 1982 after 34 years of service.
Survivors include his wife of 571/2 years, Ruth Cowart Andrews of Daphne; two sons, David Johnson (Cathy) Andrews of Fairhope and James Harold (Terri) Andrews of Isle, Minn.; two daughters, Deborah Rost (Elliott) Capsis of Fairhope and Rebecca Andrews (Buzzy) Ducote of Daphne; 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Daphne. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at Daphne Baptist Church with the Rev. Alfred Yancey. Interment will follow at Daphne Baptist Cemetery.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Kidney Dialysis Foundation or a favorite charity.
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Daphne.
