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Herbert Carlisle, who everyone called Herb, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023, in Andalusia, Alabama, a few weeks shy of his 95th birthday.

Born September 16, 1928, in Sugar Ridge, a small rural community outside of Gilbertown, Alabama, Herb and his seven brothers and sisters grew up in a house without heat or indoor plumbing during the height of the Depression. From those humble beginnings, he went on to a distinguished career and a multi-faceted life.

Herb served his country with distinction for over 10 years as part of the Alabama National Guard, and then, as an officer during the Korean War. He helped run a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit in Korea, and wrote extensively about his experiences there in his 2020 memoir From Poverty to Lower Middle Class. He served additional time with the Alabama National Guard, and retired as a Captain.

His civilian career also involved the military. Herb was a Supply Systems Analyst for the Air Force for many years in several locations. On assignment in New York City in 1956, against all odds, he met Jeanette Searcy, an Andalusia, Alabama girl in New York City, at Calvary Baptist Church. She was in the city working at her aunt’s deli. Herb and Jeanette got married in 1957.

Herb was transferred to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio, in 1964, and moved there with his wife and two small children. While in Fairborn, Herb got involved in local politics and policy, and was elected to two terms as a City Councilman and then Mayor of his adopted town. During his tenure as Mayor, his involvement in area issues took him to Washington, DC, where he lobbied at the highest levels.

Herb retired from the Air Force in 1983, and moved with Jeanette to Andalusia. He had a real estate office for several years, then went to work for First Baptist Church of Andalusia as Pastor to Senior Adults. Jeanette passed away in 1992.

Herb met Sue Seales, who worked at Covington County Bank in Andalusia, and they were married in 1997. They were beloved and active members at First Baptist Church.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Sue, his daughter Nancy Meyette (Wes) of Sparks, Nevada, his son Gary Carlisle (Jeff Baron) of New York City, his step-daughter Susan Seales of Andalusia, as well as his granddaughter Sara Meyette of Sacramento, California, his grandson Westley Meyette of San Diego, California and his great-granddaughter Skylah Duncan, along with a great number of cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Herb will be deeply missed.

Visitation will take place at Foreman-Brown Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 29 starting at 5:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 30 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Andalusia.