John Carl Lemons

John Carl "Chief" Lemons, 78, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at the First Methodist Church of Canyon with Rev. Charlie Keys officiating. John was born on February 4, 1947 in Memphis, Texas to RC "Sug" and Beth (Moreland) Lemons. He grew up in Memphis and graduated from Memphis High School in 1965. He played football, ran track, and played golf, building many lifelong friendships. He worked for the family furniture business and life guarded at the city pool. He later took over Lemons Furniture before working in the grocery business. John began his college education at Texas Tech University, then attended the University of Texas. After moving to Canyon in 1979, he received his Master of Education degree from West Texas State University. After college, he became a devoted, lifelong educator. He proudly started as a bus driver and PE teacher at Gene Howe before becoming an elementary teacher there. Next, he became the assistant principal at Valley View Junior High and then moved to principal at Rex Reeves Elementary. From there, he became the first principal of the newly built Randall High School and later became the Assistant Director of Region 16 Service Center. Returning to administration, he served as the Superintendent of Bushland ISD and was a vital part of the opening of Bushland High School. After retirement, John took the role of interim superintendent for multiple panhandle schools. He completed his career at WTAMU, assuming the role of evaluating and mentoring new teachers. He was a well-known and highly respected educator in the panhandle area, leaving a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike. John was a member of the First Methodist Church in Canyon and was on the Board of Directors for the Education Credit Union. Passionate about music, John loved to sing and play the guitar, fiddle, and piano. He was an avid golfer and LOVED his coffee. He took great pride in his Choctaw Indian Heritage and was proudly known as "Chief" by his closest friends and family. He never met a stranger and would undoubtedly ask where they grew up and who their principal was! John is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Mary Ann Lemons, Betty Pelfrey, and Bobbie True, two brothers-in-law, Jim True and Rondel Davidson, and a grandson, Austin Gifford. Survivors include his daughter, Kathy Alcorta and husband, Allen of Amarillo; his son, Andy Lemons and wife, Stephanie of Amarillo; six grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; sister, Judy Davidson of McAllen; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.