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Lucas C. Allison

Dispatch Correspondent

At the Rochelle City Council meeting held Wednesday April 2, 2025, current Mayor Wayne McGuinty, informed attendees that former Mayor Colonel John Allen Noble had passed away and would be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, he noted to best of his knowledge Colonel Noble will be the first Wilcox County resident or former resident to be buried at Arlington.

Colonel John Allen Noble United States Army (retired), a devoted husband and father, passed away on August 15. 2024 at the age of 87 in Brookeville, Maryland. He as surrounded by the love of his family leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. John was the eldest son of Louvenia Rogers Noble and John M. Noble of Rochelle, Georgia. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marjorie Noble Lloyd, and brother, Bob Noble. He is survived by his wife of over 54 years, Carole Beam Noble, 5 children and 12 grandchildren. John was born on June 27, 1937, in Rochelle. Georgia where he cemented lasting bonds with family and friends which he cherished his entire life. He graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in Charleston, South Carolina in 1959. After college, John returned to Rochelle where he was elected to City Council and then mayor. He resigned from his position as mayor in December 1965 when he reported for active duty in the United States Army and began his military career. John served in the Infantry from Vietnam through the Gulf War. Throughout his 28 years of military service, John honorably served his country with distinction and selflessness. He was widely regarded as an inspirational leader characterized by his sonal integrity and devotion to his men. As a leader, John embodied the values of bravery, honor, and compassion that he held dearly. He received many military honors and awards, including a Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. After retiring from the Army, John embarked on another successful career with ITT. Inc. Through his work, he spent significant time in the Middle East region and had many close friends and colleagues abroad. John retired as a senior executive from ITT and enjoyed many years with Carole at the family’s long-time home base in Athens, Georgia before relocating to Maryland in 2023. Funeral services to celebrate John’s remarkable lite will be held on April 11. 2025 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. John’s first cousin Rev. Dr. William C. “Bil” Noble will officiate the services