John L. McCarron

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Anne Louise McCarron, his daughter Stephanie Lyn McCarron, his parents John and Agnes Louise McCarron, and his sister, Agnes Louise Olney.

He is survived by his daughter Kathleen Lori McCarron, his wife Louise Brock McCarron, her children; Paul Brock, Jr. Bette Brock Rutan, Valerie Brock Guiles, Sherry Brock McGowin, and Richard Goodwin Brock, grandchildren, other relatives, and his longtime companion and treasured friend Anthony Stiehll.

McCarron attended the University of Alabama at Mobile. Additionally, he took Executive Development courses at the University of Tennessee’s Graduate School of Business and the Wharton School of Finance and Accounting at the University of Pennsylvania.

McCarron was a highly successful marine executive for many decades. He began his career as a clerk for Waterman Steamship Company in 1946. With extensive experience in all phases of Steamship Operations, terminal management, and cargo handling. McCarron served in executive positions at Waterman Steamship, Ryan Stevedoring, Dravo’s Ryan-Walsh, Inc., of the Vectura Group. He retired as President and CEO of Ryan-Walsh in 1992 and continued his illustrious career by serving as president and CEO of Vectura Cargo Services. After Ryan-Walsh joined the Stevedoring Services of America (SSA), McCarron was asked to come out of retirement. He concluded his very successful career by serving on the executive committee of SSA, and as Senior Vice-President.

McCarron was generous with his time and talents and was involved in a wide variety of business and civic organizations. He was Director and President of the National Association of Waterfront Employees, Director of the National Waterways Conference, a lifetime member of the Warrior-Tombigbee Development Association, a board member of the Seaman’s Club of Mobile, and officer of the Mobile Propeller Club, and 1989 Maritime Person of the Year. Additionally, McCarron served as a Director of the Providence Hospital Foundation, Providence Hospital Advisory Board, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, and the International Trade Club. He also was involved with the Boy Scouts and Bishop State Community College.

McCarron served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was inducted into the McGill-Toolen hall of fame in 2009.

There will be a graveside service at 11:00 am, October 9, 2020, at Pine Crest Cemetery. Father G. Warren Wall officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the SPCA.