Adam “A.J.” LaBove, Jr., 73, of Winnie, died on Friday, June 8, 2012, at Winnie Community Hospital. He was born on April 2, 1939, to Clara and Adam J. LaBove, Sr.
Mr. LaBove was a Vietnam veteran, and was in the United States Air Force for twenty years. He served two tours in Vietnam, flying as a crew member on a C-7 Caribou. Following his return from Vietnam, he went on to be the crew chief for the United States Air Force Inspector General, stationed at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1977.
Shortly after his retirement from the Air Force, he relocated to Archer, Florida, and went on to work in the athletic department at the University of Florida. A.J. worked for the University of Florida for over twenty years, and rose to the position of head equipment manager for spring sports, from which he retired in 2005. He also served in many critical roles for the football program during his time there. A.J. was an important member of Florida’s 1996 National Championship team, and went on to visit the White House and meet the President.
A.J. returned with his wife Joy to Winnie in 2005, and has been very involved in the community. He was an active member the United Methodist Church, and worked as an officer and in many other roles in the American Legion. A.J. has worked extensively with the East Chambers High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes, providing a positive, Christ-centered influence to the youth of the community. A.J. was a man who served his country well in the United States Air Force, and worked tirelessly to have a substantial, positive impact on the young people around him, hoping to make the world a better place. He will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife, Joy LaBove; daughters, Venetia Johnson and Tiffany Sandstrum; stepchildren, Jerry Spencer, Cathy Johnston, and Danny Spencer; father, Adam J. LaBove, Sr.; ten grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Mr. LaBove was preceded in death by his mother, Clara LaBove; first wife, Gloria LaBove; and grandson, Ryan Johnston.
A gathering of Mr. LaBove’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, June 10, 2012, at Broussard’s, 134 W. Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. His funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 11, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church, 1708 South State Highway 124, Winnie, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie.
