John Herbert Osborne, Jr. (better known to a loyal fan base as “Johnny Evans”), the son of Thomas “Tommy” Wilson Osborne and Eunice Estelle Carrie Teague, was born on 27 December 1931 in Huntsville, Madison Co., AL—very likely, in the Merrimack Mill Village. He was also known as “Poolroom” Osborne, due to his reputed prowess with the cue, while many family members called him Herb. It is of note that, in the 1940 Huntsville Census—following his mother’s remarriage to Deward Wilson Mason—he is listed as Herbert Mason.
At various times, the Osborne and Mason families lived in the Merrimack and Lincoln Mill areas, with city directories indicating their employment at Merrimack and the aforementioned 1940 Census specifically listing the family in the “Helen Mill Addition.”
Johnny was a student at Rison, but left high school early for military service. He later took Broadcasting classes at Athens State.
Johnny was a member of the Marine Corps, decorated with a Purple Heart for the Korean War, and it was through USO performances that he developed his performing skills, such as ventriloquism and magic. Of the latter, he performed where he could, from flatbed trucks and the Madison Theatre to barbecues and cookouts, as he said, “…any time you could make a dollar…”
At one point in his career, Johnny emceed at the Center Theatre at Triana Boulevard and 9th Avenue, not far from Merrimack; one could attend the movies with six Royal Crown Cola caps, and Johnny would give away an “RC” sixpack.
He first married Betty Sue Ivey, daughter of Fred Ross Ivey and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Gentle; they divorced in 1972. Their children are referenced in his obituary, below. He later married Helen Diane McNeal, daughter of Glenn Austin McNeal and Sallie Ann Johnson.
Although Johnny did some early broadcasting with WBHP Radio, he was better known for his extensive television work.
At Huntsville’s WAFG (later, WAAY-TV), Channel 31, Johnny was part of the staff (including a stint as the weather man and delivering the Adams Sportsman’s Report) as early as 1959, but in a move that spotlighted him best, he began hosting “Western Theatre,” which featured old cowboy movies, as well as the MC decked out from fringed ranchwear to chaps.
Johnny also concurrently helmed “Captain Barney and Popeye,” requiring a very quick costume change as one show ended and the other began. Since he couldn’t quite complete the transformation from Texan togs to nautical wear in his limited window of time, Johnny’s lower half—still sporting chaps and boots—was hidden by a large “ship’s wheel.”
Once his show’s format was changed to spotlight the Three Stooges, Bugs Bunny, and such, it was rechristened “31 Funtime,” although it was variably promoted as “The Johnny Evans Show.” Regardless, he retained his signature cowboy garb.
Assisting with Johnny’s moderating over the years were his ventriloquist’s dummy and bronco-busting pardner, Tex, and the also-(very)-vocal “Grandfather Clock,” apparently named after itself. On Johnny’s various broadcasts, he often entertained groups of children, visiting for school outings, birthday parties, and other such occasions. Small wonder his broadcasts often included PSA’s from Patch the Pony, which addressed child safety. There were also snacks, contests, and prizes to be won.
Putting on yet another hat, Johnny was auctioneer for “Junior Auction,” a franchised program wherein kids could utilize sponsor’s products to facilitate their bidding “money.” In Huntsville, the empty cellophane bags of Golden Flake Potato Chips were initially the currency; once the “Junior Auction” programming ceased, the concept was basically transferred to “31 Funtime,” with the end labels of Sunbeam Bread as the new, somewhat legal tender.
Reaching out to the more adult audience, Johnny coanchored the “Coffee Break” morning talk show as the first and longest “partner” of continuing host Mary Beaton. He also partnered with Joe Adams to bring us “Gone Fishin’”…which should be self explanatory.
Formats change, and Johnny’s assorted kids’ shows of the 60’s and 70’s gave way to his time as a primo sales director for the station, a position at which he excelled. Naturally he found his way into the occasional commercial, such as those for Ray Pearman Mercury Lincoln and Woody Anderson Ford.
In much later years, Johnny produced and presented 31’s “A Country Affair,” pre-taped on location at The Hop and featuring country music entertainers and a live audience.
Aside from his media work, he seems to have maintained quite the stable of businesses: an archery range; the putt-putt golf course on Leeman Ferry; Johnny Evans, Inc. (western wear, riding equipment, etc.) in the then-Parkway City Shopping Center; The Fishing Hole, an area of stocked ponds for anglers—see “Gone Fishin’”; and, for a time, an interest in the Huntsville Speedway.
His greatest impact, however, was undoubtedly through his charitable work. He was a member of the Huntsville Jaycees, performing on their behalf at the Huntsville Fair and in other capacities. Moreover, for three decades or so, he was spokesman for the local United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, fronting their annual telethons, and making occasional forays into Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas for their own fundraisers.
He was able to enjoin members of the Oak Ridge Boys, Wernher von Braun (in a straw hat, no less), Little Jimmy Dickens, Bear Bryant (leading children around in a dance), the Grand Old Opry’s Charlie Walker, and George Jones to guest on UCPF’s behalf. Johnny also drew from the local talent pool, inviting such groups as the Lee High School Band, church choirs, the Deltones, and cheerleading squads to perform. He even conducted a one-sided interview with the mute “Fantasy” character from Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater.
Time will march on and, sadly, Tex was lost in a house fire. Grandfather Clock, however, soldiers on, a testament to decades of hometown, child-friendly entertainment and the warm memories and innocent fun it engendered.
Johnny passed away on 6 August 2013 at his home in Toney, Madison Co., AL. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepparents, grandparents, and a baby brother, James, the latter buried in Merrimack Cemetery.
He was described as “a faithful ambassador for children with disabilities”; on 5 May 2014, Mayor Tommy Battle saw fit to declare a “Johnny Evans Day,” recognizing him as a “lifelong and worthy ambassador throughout North Alabama for UCP and the individuals it serves…”
John Herbert Osborne, Sr., known as Johnny Evans, 81, of Toney, passed away on Tuesday. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy Wilson Osborne and Eunice Carrie Teague Osborne. Mr. Osborne is survived by his beloved wife, four sons, daughter, thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 8th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home followed by a 3:00 chapel service with Tim Rice officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
At various times, the Osborne and Mason families lived in the Merrimack and Lincoln Mill areas, with city directories indicating their employment at Merrimack and the aforementioned 1940 Census specifically listing the family in the “Helen Mill Addition.”
Johnny was a student at Rison, but left high school early for military service. He later took Broadcasting classes at Athens State.
Johnny was a member of the Marine Corps, decorated with a Purple Heart for the Korean War, and it was through USO performances that he developed his performing skills, such as ventriloquism and magic. Of the latter, he performed where he could, from flatbed trucks and the Madison Theatre to barbecues and cookouts, as he said, “…any time you could make a dollar…”
At one point in his career, Johnny emceed at the Center Theatre at Triana Boulevard and 9th Avenue, not far from Merrimack; one could attend the movies with six Royal Crown Cola caps, and Johnny would give away an “RC” sixpack.
He first married Betty Sue Ivey, daughter of Fred Ross Ivey and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Gentle; they divorced in 1972. Their children are referenced in his obituary, below. He later married Helen Diane McNeal, daughter of Glenn Austin McNeal and Sallie Ann Johnson.
Although Johnny did some early broadcasting with WBHP Radio, he was better known for his extensive television work.
At Huntsville’s WAFG (later, WAAY-TV), Channel 31, Johnny was part of the staff (including a stint as the weather man and delivering the Adams Sportsman’s Report) as early as 1959, but in a move that spotlighted him best, he began hosting “Western Theatre,” which featured old cowboy movies, as well as the MC decked out from fringed ranchwear to chaps.
Johnny also concurrently helmed “Captain Barney and Popeye,” requiring a very quick costume change as one show ended and the other began. Since he couldn’t quite complete the transformation from Texan togs to nautical wear in his limited window of time, Johnny’s lower half—still sporting chaps and boots—was hidden by a large “ship’s wheel.”
Once his show’s format was changed to spotlight the Three Stooges, Bugs Bunny, and such, it was rechristened “31 Funtime,” although it was variably promoted as “The Johnny Evans Show.” Regardless, he retained his signature cowboy garb.
Assisting with Johnny’s moderating over the years were his ventriloquist’s dummy and bronco-busting pardner, Tex, and the also-(very)-vocal “Grandfather Clock,” apparently named after itself. On Johnny’s various broadcasts, he often entertained groups of children, visiting for school outings, birthday parties, and other such occasions. Small wonder his broadcasts often included PSA’s from Patch the Pony, which addressed child safety. There were also snacks, contests, and prizes to be won.
Putting on yet another hat, Johnny was auctioneer for “Junior Auction,” a franchised program wherein kids could utilize sponsor’s products to facilitate their bidding “money.” In Huntsville, the empty cellophane bags of Golden Flake Potato Chips were initially the currency; once the “Junior Auction” programming ceased, the concept was basically transferred to “31 Funtime,” with the end labels of Sunbeam Bread as the new, somewhat legal tender.
Reaching out to the more adult audience, Johnny coanchored the “Coffee Break” morning talk show as the first and longest “partner” of continuing host Mary Beaton. He also partnered with Joe Adams to bring us “Gone Fishin’”…which should be self explanatory.
Formats change, and Johnny’s assorted kids’ shows of the 60’s and 70’s gave way to his time as a primo sales director for the station, a position at which he excelled. Naturally he found his way into the occasional commercial, such as those for Ray Pearman Mercury Lincoln and Woody Anderson Ford.
In much later years, Johnny produced and presented 31’s “A Country Affair,” pre-taped on location at The Hop and featuring country music entertainers and a live audience.
Aside from his media work, he seems to have maintained quite the stable of businesses: an archery range; the putt-putt golf course on Leeman Ferry; Johnny Evans, Inc. (western wear, riding equipment, etc.) in the then-Parkway City Shopping Center; The Fishing Hole, an area of stocked ponds for anglers—see “Gone Fishin’”; and, for a time, an interest in the Huntsville Speedway.
His greatest impact, however, was undoubtedly through his charitable work. He was a member of the Huntsville Jaycees, performing on their behalf at the Huntsville Fair and in other capacities. Moreover, for three decades or so, he was spokesman for the local United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, fronting their annual telethons, and making occasional forays into Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas for their own fundraisers.
He was able to enjoin members of the Oak Ridge Boys, Wernher von Braun (in a straw hat, no less), Little Jimmy Dickens, Bear Bryant (leading children around in a dance), the Grand Old Opry’s Charlie Walker, and George Jones to guest on UCPF’s behalf. Johnny also drew from the local talent pool, inviting such groups as the Lee High School Band, church choirs, the Deltones, and cheerleading squads to perform. He even conducted a one-sided interview with the mute “Fantasy” character from Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater.
Time will march on and, sadly, Tex was lost in a house fire. Grandfather Clock, however, soldiers on, a testament to decades of hometown, child-friendly entertainment and the warm memories and innocent fun it engendered.
Johnny passed away on 6 August 2013 at his home in Toney, Madison Co., AL. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepparents, grandparents, and a baby brother, James, the latter buried in Merrimack Cemetery.
He was described as “a faithful ambassador for children with disabilities”; on 5 May 2014, Mayor Tommy Battle saw fit to declare a “Johnny Evans Day,” recognizing him as a “lifelong and worthy ambassador throughout North Alabama for UCP and the individuals it serves…”
John Herbert Osborne, Sr., known as Johnny Evans, 81, of Toney, passed away on Tuesday. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy Wilson Osborne and Eunice Carrie Teague Osborne. Mr. Osborne is survived by his beloved wife, four sons, daughter, thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 8th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home followed by a 3:00 chapel service with Tim Rice officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
John Herbert Osborne, Jr. (better known to a loyal fan base as “Johnny Evans”), the son of Thomas “Tommy” Wilson Osborne and Eunice Estelle Carrie Teague, was born on 27 December 1931 in Huntsville, Madison Co., AL—very likely, in the Merrimack Mill Village. He was also known as “Poolroom” Osborne, due to his reputed prowess with the cue, while many family members called him Herb. It is of note that, in the 1940 Huntsville Census—following his mother’s remarriage to Deward Wilson Mason—he is listed as Herbert Mason.
At various times, the Osborne and Mason families lived in the Merrimack and Lincoln Mill areas, with city directories indicating their employment at Merrimack and the aforementioned 1940 Census specifically listing the family in the “Helen Mill Addition.”
Johnny was a student at Rison, but left high school early for military service. He later took Broadcasting classes at Athens State.
Johnny was a member of the Marine Corps, decorated with a Purple Heart for the Korean War, and it was through USO performances that he developed his performing skills, such as ventriloquism and magic. Of the latter, he performed where he could, from flatbed trucks and the Madison Theatre to barbecues and cookouts, as he said, “…any time you could make a dollar…”
At one point in his career, Johnny emceed at the Center Theatre at Triana Boulevard and 9th Avenue, not far from Merrimack; one could attend the movies with six Royal Crown Cola caps, and Johnny would give away an “RC” sixpack.
He first married Betty Sue Ivey, daughter of Fred Ross Ivey and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Gentle; they divorced in 1972. Their children are referenced in his obituary, below. He later married Helen Diane McNeal, daughter of Glenn Austin McNeal and Sallie Ann Johnson.
Although Johnny did some early broadcasting with WBHP Radio, he was better known for his extensive television work.
At Huntsville’s WAFG (later, WAAY-TV), Channel 31, Johnny was part of the staff (including a stint as the weather man and delivering the Adams Sportsman’s Report) as early as 1959, but in a move that spotlighted him best, he began hosting “Western Theatre,” which featured old cowboy movies, as well as the MC decked out from fringed ranchwear to chaps.
Johnny also concurrently helmed “Captain Barney and Popeye,” requiring a very quick costume change as one show ended and the other began. Since he couldn’t quite complete the transformation from Texan togs to nautical wear in his limited window of time, Johnny’s lower half—still sporting chaps and boots—was hidden by a large “ship’s wheel.”
Once his show’s format was changed to spotlight the Three Stooges, Bugs Bunny, and such, it was rechristened “31 Funtime,” although it was variably promoted as “The Johnny Evans Show.” Regardless, he retained his signature cowboy garb.
Assisting with Johnny’s moderating over the years were his ventriloquist’s dummy and bronco-busting pardner, Tex, and the also-(very)-vocal “Grandfather Clock,” apparently named after itself. On Johnny’s various broadcasts, he often entertained groups of children, visiting for school outings, birthday parties, and other such occasions. Small wonder his broadcasts often included PSA’s from Patch the Pony, which addressed child safety. There were also snacks, contests, and prizes to be won.
Putting on yet another hat, Johnny was auctioneer for “Junior Auction,” a franchised program wherein kids could utilize sponsor’s products to facilitate their bidding “money.” In Huntsville, the empty cellophane bags of Golden Flake Potato Chips were initially the currency; once the “Junior Auction” programming ceased, the concept was basically transferred to “31 Funtime,” with the end labels of Sunbeam Bread as the new, somewhat legal tender.
Reaching out to the more adult audience, Johnny coanchored the “Coffee Break” morning talk show as the first and longest “partner” of continuing host Mary Beaton. He also partnered with Joe Adams to bring us “Gone Fishin’”…which should be self explanatory.
Formats change, and Johnny’s assorted kids’ shows of the 60’s and 70’s gave way to his time as a primo sales director for the station, a position at which he excelled. Naturally he found his way into the occasional commercial, such as those for Ray Pearman Mercury Lincoln and Woody Anderson Ford.
In much later years, Johnny produced and presented 31’s “A Country Affair,” pre-taped on location at The Hop and featuring country music entertainers and a live audience.
Aside from his media work, he seems to have maintained quite the stable of businesses: an archery range; the putt-putt golf course on Leeman Ferry; Johnny Evans, Inc. (western wear, riding equipment, etc.) in the then-Parkway City Shopping Center; The Fishing Hole, an area of stocked ponds for anglers—see “Gone Fishin’”; and, for a time, an interest in the Huntsville Speedway.
His greatest impact, however, was undoubtedly through his charitable work. He was a member of the Huntsville Jaycees, performing on their behalf at the Huntsville Fair and in other capacities. Moreover, for three decades or so, he was spokesman for the local United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, fronting their annual telethons, and making occasional forays into Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas for their own fundraisers.
He was able to enjoin members of the Oak Ridge Boys, Wernher von Braun (in a straw hat, no less), Little Jimmy Dickens, Bear Bryant (leading children around in a dance), the Grand Old Opry’s Charlie Walker, and George Jones to guest on UCPF’s behalf. Johnny also drew from the local talent pool, inviting such groups as the Lee High School Band, church choirs, the Deltones, and cheerleading squads to perform. He even conducted a one-sided interview with the mute “Fantasy” character from Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater.
Time will march on and, sadly, Tex was lost in a house fire. Grandfather Clock, however, soldiers on, a testament to decades of hometown, child-friendly entertainment and the warm memories and innocent fun it engendered.
Johnny passed away on 6 August 2013 at his home in Toney, Madison Co., AL. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepparents, grandparents, and a baby brother, James, the latter buried in Merrimack Cemetery.
He was described as “a faithful ambassador for children with disabilities”; on 5 May 2014, Mayor Tommy Battle saw fit to declare a “Johnny Evans Day,” recognizing him as a “lifelong and worthy ambassador throughout North Alabama for UCP and the individuals it serves…”
John Herbert Osborne, Sr., known as Johnny Evans, 81, of Toney, passed away on Tuesday. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy Wilson Osborne and Eunice Carrie Teague Osborne. Mr. Osborne is survived by his beloved wife, four sons, daughter, thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 8th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home followed by a 3:00 chapel service with Tim Rice officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
At various times, the Osborne and Mason families lived in the Merrimack and Lincoln Mill areas, with city directories indicating their employment at Merrimack and the aforementioned 1940 Census specifically listing the family in the “Helen Mill Addition.”
Johnny was a student at Rison, but left high school early for military service. He later took Broadcasting classes at Athens State.
Johnny was a member of the Marine Corps, decorated with a Purple Heart for the Korean War, and it was through USO performances that he developed his performing skills, such as ventriloquism and magic. Of the latter, he performed where he could, from flatbed trucks and the Madison Theatre to barbecues and cookouts, as he said, “…any time you could make a dollar…”
At one point in his career, Johnny emceed at the Center Theatre at Triana Boulevard and 9th Avenue, not far from Merrimack; one could attend the movies with six Royal Crown Cola caps, and Johnny would give away an “RC” sixpack.
He first married Betty Sue Ivey, daughter of Fred Ross Ivey and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Gentle; they divorced in 1972. Their children are referenced in his obituary, below. He later married Helen Diane McNeal, daughter of Glenn Austin McNeal and Sallie Ann Johnson.
Although Johnny did some early broadcasting with WBHP Radio, he was better known for his extensive television work.
At Huntsville’s WAFG (later, WAAY-TV), Channel 31, Johnny was part of the staff (including a stint as the weather man and delivering the Adams Sportsman’s Report) as early as 1959, but in a move that spotlighted him best, he began hosting “Western Theatre,” which featured old cowboy movies, as well as the MC decked out from fringed ranchwear to chaps.
Johnny also concurrently helmed “Captain Barney and Popeye,” requiring a very quick costume change as one show ended and the other began. Since he couldn’t quite complete the transformation from Texan togs to nautical wear in his limited window of time, Johnny’s lower half—still sporting chaps and boots—was hidden by a large “ship’s wheel.”
Once his show’s format was changed to spotlight the Three Stooges, Bugs Bunny, and such, it was rechristened “31 Funtime,” although it was variably promoted as “The Johnny Evans Show.” Regardless, he retained his signature cowboy garb.
Assisting with Johnny’s moderating over the years were his ventriloquist’s dummy and bronco-busting pardner, Tex, and the also-(very)-vocal “Grandfather Clock,” apparently named after itself. On Johnny’s various broadcasts, he often entertained groups of children, visiting for school outings, birthday parties, and other such occasions. Small wonder his broadcasts often included PSA’s from Patch the Pony, which addressed child safety. There were also snacks, contests, and prizes to be won.
Putting on yet another hat, Johnny was auctioneer for “Junior Auction,” a franchised program wherein kids could utilize sponsor’s products to facilitate their bidding “money.” In Huntsville, the empty cellophane bags of Golden Flake Potato Chips were initially the currency; once the “Junior Auction” programming ceased, the concept was basically transferred to “31 Funtime,” with the end labels of Sunbeam Bread as the new, somewhat legal tender.
Reaching out to the more adult audience, Johnny coanchored the “Coffee Break” morning talk show as the first and longest “partner” of continuing host Mary Beaton. He also partnered with Joe Adams to bring us “Gone Fishin’”…which should be self explanatory.
Formats change, and Johnny’s assorted kids’ shows of the 60’s and 70’s gave way to his time as a primo sales director for the station, a position at which he excelled. Naturally he found his way into the occasional commercial, such as those for Ray Pearman Mercury Lincoln and Woody Anderson Ford.
In much later years, Johnny produced and presented 31’s “A Country Affair,” pre-taped on location at The Hop and featuring country music entertainers and a live audience.
Aside from his media work, he seems to have maintained quite the stable of businesses: an archery range; the putt-putt golf course on Leeman Ferry; Johnny Evans, Inc. (western wear, riding equipment, etc.) in the then-Parkway City Shopping Center; The Fishing Hole, an area of stocked ponds for anglers—see “Gone Fishin’”; and, for a time, an interest in the Huntsville Speedway.
His greatest impact, however, was undoubtedly through his charitable work. He was a member of the Huntsville Jaycees, performing on their behalf at the Huntsville Fair and in other capacities. Moreover, for three decades or so, he was spokesman for the local United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, fronting their annual telethons, and making occasional forays into Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas for their own fundraisers.
He was able to enjoin members of the Oak Ridge Boys, Wernher von Braun (in a straw hat, no less), Little Jimmy Dickens, Bear Bryant (leading children around in a dance), the Grand Old Opry’s Charlie Walker, and George Jones to guest on UCPF’s behalf. Johnny also drew from the local talent pool, inviting such groups as the Lee High School Band, church choirs, the Deltones, and cheerleading squads to perform. He even conducted a one-sided interview with the mute “Fantasy” character from Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater.
Time will march on and, sadly, Tex was lost in a house fire. Grandfather Clock, however, soldiers on, a testament to decades of hometown, child-friendly entertainment and the warm memories and innocent fun it engendered.
Johnny passed away on 6 August 2013 at his home in Toney, Madison Co., AL. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepparents, grandparents, and a baby brother, James, the latter buried in Merrimack Cemetery.
He was described as “a faithful ambassador for children with disabilities”; on 5 May 2014, Mayor Tommy Battle saw fit to declare a “Johnny Evans Day,” recognizing him as a “lifelong and worthy ambassador throughout North Alabama for UCP and the individuals it serves…”
John Herbert Osborne, Sr., known as Johnny Evans, 81, of Toney, passed away on Tuesday. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy Wilson Osborne and Eunice Carrie Teague Osborne. Mr. Osborne is survived by his beloved wife, four sons, daughter, thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 8th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home followed by a 3:00 chapel service with Tim Rice officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
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