Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III announces passing of his father, Johnny Moss Jr.

The father of Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III has passed away.

Moss Jr. held several key roles in Selma, first as director of the Don Bosco Neighborhood Service Center office that was part of the Selma Dallas County Economic Opportunity Board, and as the first Black director of the Selma Housing Authority for 30 years.

Mayor Moss' office released this obituary for Moss Jr.:

Johnny E. Moss, Jr., affectionately known as Bubba, was born to the late Johnny Moss, Sr, and Ollie Mae Moss. He was raised in a Christian home by his grandmother, Berta Moss, in Selma, Alabama. Johnny was educated in the Segregated Selma City School System. He joined the United States Navy upon graduation and served his country for four years on the Kitty Hawk. He later attended Nashville School of Business, Nashville, Tennessee. As a child, he was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. After marriage, he and his wife became members of Brown Chapel AME Church, where he remained a devoted member until his passing. He married Jeanette Eileen Martin in 1968. Their union endured for 58 years until his death. Two sons were born to this union. This legacy will continue through their grandchildren. The Selma Dallas Economic Opportunity Board employed Johnny as director of the Don Bosco Neighborhood Service Center for many years. This was the beginning of his successful service to the Dallas Selma Community. He later became the first Black director of the Selma Housing Authority. He was the outstanding and successful director for over thirty years. He retired in 2005. His legacy is reflected in his positive leadership and the many lives he helped to enhance by improvements inside and outside the homes. He also implemented innovative programs for the youth, as well as training programs for adult residents. Moss Court was built for the elderly and was named in his honor. His eldest son, Johnny Moss, III, followed his love of public service and is now the Mayor of Selma. His affiliations and honors include the following: Wallace Community Foundation, City of Selma Planning Commission Chairperson, Selma Redevelopment Authority, George Evans Special Needs Foundation, Historic Brown Chapel AME Church Preservation Society Inc., Dallas-Selma Community Action Agency. President, Head Start Board, Rotary Club, 12 High Club, Chesterfield Club, and others. 

Mr. Johnny E. Moss, Jr. peacefully entered eternal rest while being surrounded by the love of his family on Friday, July 17, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness that will continue to live on through his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. His memory will forever be cherished, and his life will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.

He leaves behind a legacy of love for his wife, Jeanette Moss, and sons: Johnny Moss III (Sharonoa), Jarvis Moss; grandchildren :Jarvis Moss Jr., Keriana Moore, Jada Moss, Evan Moss, Jackson Moss, Jace Riddle, and Jacelyn Riddle. Siblings:Odessa Brown(Tommy), Knoxville, TN; Lewis Moss, Knoxville, TN; Jeffery Moss, Birmingham, AL; Broderick Moss, Birmingham, AL; Lois Moss, Birmingham, AL, and Glenda Williams, FL. Sisters in Law:Mabel Reddick, Selma, AL; Rosalyn (Clarence) Hatcher, Valdosta, GA; Doris Rush, Cleveland, OH. God Daughters: Jatari Reddick-Hardy, Tamela Glover, Danielle Smith, Ayannah Joi Cleary, Ashlyn “Kam” Goodwin . Deepest Gratitude and Appreciation to:Coren Wilson (Nephew & Caregiver), Velton Moss (Nephew).