Alfred "Al" Sibley

Alfred "Al" Messina Sibley left this world on January 5, 2025, at the age of 84. Al was born on October 13, 1940, to parents, John Wallace and Annie Vivian Crowder Sibley. A current resident of Jackson, AL, former resident of Perryville, AR and native of Vicksburg, MS, he began his work career at a very young age. He worked many odd jobs including having a paper route then became a welder/union ironworker (Local Union 1/Chicago, Illinois & Local Union 395/Portage, Indiana) working on various large structures including the St Louis Arch (1963). After moving to Arkansas, in 1961 he became a member of the Ironworkers Local Union 321/Little Rock, AR where he worked on different missile bases throughout the state (18) starting in Searcy, Arkansas. He was hired at Arkansas Kraft Paper Mill in 1966 where he later landed the maintenance superintendent role. In 1993, he left the state of Arkansas to join Boise Cascade in Jackson, AL as their maintenance superintendent where he retired in 2005.

Al had an extremely strong work ethic and loved working with his tools. Most of his free time was spent working in his shop doing various projects. For many years, he loved the thrill of riding motorcycles and enjoyed fishing when he could. Although he was diabetic, Al loved good food including homemade German chocolate cakes, fried whole catfish, his daughter's macaroni and cheese, and most anything else he shouldn't eat. He loved his family, friends, and the farm in Perryville, AR.

Al is survived by his current wife, Mary Jo Harrell Sibley; daughter, Vicky (Gene) Smith; son, Mark Sibley; daughter, Debra Diane (Bryant) Randall, step-son, Eric (Fleaka) Walker; step-daughter Paige (Jason) Ammons; step-daughter, Dina (Wayne) Phillips. Grandchildren: Michael (Lara) Dyar, Stephanie (Alex) Plafcan, Tyler (Miranda) Sibley, Dustin (Jacquelyn) Sibley, Garrett (Morgan) Sibley, Kaylee Sibley; Sister-in-Law, Jackie Sibley, Cherished friends, Tommy and Vicki Smith; lifelong friend, Walter Looper; along with 11 step-grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and several grand-dogs who he loved.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis Allison Sibley; his beloved brother, Billy Sibley, step-granddaughter, Chelsea Marie Randall Reed, and his parents along with many friends who he was fond of.

Two celebrations of life will be held to accommodate all loved ones. The Jackson, AL Celebration of Life will be held at his home at 410 East Rose Street, Jackson, AL on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Visitation will be at 2pm with Service beginning at 3pm and fellowship with friends and family afterward. The Perryville AR Celebration of Life will be held at Perryville, Arkansas First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall @ 3pm on Saturday, January 18, 2025, with fellowship with friends and family afterward.