After obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Southeastern State University in 1991, he began his passion of teaching and coaching basketball. In his 30-year career, his greatest accomplishments were leading three consecutive teams to The Big House; one of which he achieved the ultimate goal of winning the 2002 Class B State Championship and bringing home the Gold Ball. John enjoyed many things in life, including riding his Harley Davidson, but nothing compares to the love and joy he had for his grandchildren and spending time with his family and friends.
John is preceded in death by his parents, L.A. and Joyce Talley; his brother, Robert Walter Talley; his paternal and maternal grandparents; his father-in-law, Lowell Kay Moss; and numerous aunts and uncles.
John is survived by his loving wife, of the home Mary Ruth; son, John Jr. and wife Wendy of Caddo, Okla.; son, Josh of Calera, Okla.; daughter, Carlee and husband Will Hogue of Germantown, Tenn.; grandchildren: JT and Trevor Talley, Jaxon Stringfellow, Harper Talley, Eli, Samantha, Oaklee and his expected grandson John Callaway Hogue; sisters, Sarah Talley Gideon and Jean Filer and husband Ron; mother-in-law, Mary Moss; brother-in-law, Lowell Moss and wife Deana; sisters-in-law, Peggy Carlton and husband Mike, Nancy Woodruff and husband Mike; Lisa Batman and husband Jamie and Kathy Glenn and husband Stephen and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. 
A service to celebrate John’s life was held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Brown’s Funeral Service with Jacob Toews officiating. Pallbearers were John Talley Jr., Josh Talley, JT Talley, Trevor Talley, Jaxon Stringfellow, Bill Certain, Michael Carlton Jr., Jerod Lambert, Will Hogue, and Buddy Robbins and honorary pallbearers Harper Talley, Eli Hogue, Samantha Hogue, Oaklee Hogue, Lowell Moss, Allen Moss, Jake Boyd, Robert Talley Jr., Bentley “Boog” Collins, Coach Jim Mudd, Coach Troy Hamm, and the 1977-1978 basketball team.