John Joseph Carney Jr.

John Joseph Carney, Jr., of Hoover, Alabama, passed away at his home on March 29, 2026.

Born on April 10, 1960, in Cumberland, Maryland. John’s parents, John Joseph Carney and Mary Ann (“Pollie” Hotchkiss) Carney, predeceased him in death.

John attended Sts. Peter and Paul Elementary School and was a 1978 graduate of Bishop Walsh High School. He continued his education as a business major at Frostburg State University, graduating in 1982. While living in Cumberland, John was a member of the Knights of Columbus and also acted as a Referee for local basketball teams.

John is survived by his wife, Sara, who he married in 1991; his daughter, Allison, son, Andrew, sisters, Mary Ann Carney Jackson, Susan Carney Becker (Wayne), brother, Gene Carney (Julie), as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends.

In 1976, John began his journey and love of golf by participating as a caddy at the Cumberland CC and winning their caddy tournament that year.

In 1983, he moved to Myrtle Beach and started working as an assistant professional at Bay Tree from 1983 to 1989. In 1989, he got his first Head Professional job at Long Bay Country Club. John was the General Manager and Head Professional at Bricklanding Plantation in Ocean Isle, North Carolina from 1991 to 2003. In 2003, the family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina where he was Director of Golf at Pine Valley Golf Club until 2011. Then in 2011, he became the Director of Golf at Riverchase CC in Birmingham, Alabama until he retired in 2025. Since his retirement, he has worked as a part-time starter at the Country Club of Birmingham.

John served as on officer for the Alabama NW Florida Section of the PGA, held the positions of Secretary from Feb 2016 - Feb 2018; Vice President from Feb 2018 - Feb 2020; President from Feb 2020 - Feb 2022; and Honorary President from 2023-2024.

John, a respected PGA Professional and cherished member of the golf community, passed away leaving behind a lifetime of service to the game and the people who love it.

He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments in the game of golf, but for the way he carried himself—with integrity, humility, and a genuine love for people. He made a lasting impact on his fellow professionals, his members, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. John loved cooking, traveling throughout the Country playing golf, his January trips to Punta Canta, and spending time with family and friends.

In accordance with his wishes, John will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to Bishop Walsh School, golf fund, 700 Bishop Walsh Road, Cumberland, MD 21502.