Lawrence Nolen was born July 4, 1920, in Roanoke, Alabama. He is one of seven siblings born to Brice Webb and Clara Belle Nolen. Lawrence grew up in Roanoke, attending public schools. and graduating from Handley High School. Nolen served in the U.S. Army during WWII, (1942-45) in the European Theater of Operations. In 1946 he married the former Mary Ruth Harris of Wadley, Alabama, and James Lawrence, Jr., Charles Webb, Ruth Anne Glisson and Nancy Edith Jackson. Also, in 1946 he enrolled in Jacksonville State University and received his B.S. Degree in 1948 in time to join the faculty of Opp High School that year.
J.L. Nolen has spent most of his adult life involved in the educational, civic and economic affairs of Opp. He has been especially dedicated to the youth of this community through teaching, coaching and school administration. As Superintendent and principal of Opp High School, he participated in the awarding of almost 4,000 diplomas.
A brief synopsis of Mr. Nolen’s career shows: 1948-1956, assistant coach and teacher; 51-54, activated with National Guard unit to serve during the Korean Conflict; 56-59, head coach and athletic director; 59-71 principal of OHS; 71-88, Superintendent of City Schools; 88-92, Mayor, City of Opp. Along the way there were many awards, honors and accomplishments. As a coach and teacher he worked with the summer Recreation Program and served as Little League coach; was selected as Coach of the Year in the South Alabama Conference and was High School All-Star Coach in 1959; was elected to the Alabama High School Athletic Association Board of Control for 28 years, serving 4 terms as president and 3 terms as VP; and was president of Opp Teachers Association. While Superintendent of Education, he built a new Middle School, an Area Vocational School at OHS, a new library, classrooms, gymnasium and playground at SHE, and a new administration building. He served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, and during his term the first Hall of Fame electees were inducted. He was instrumental in starting the Farmer’s Appreciation Program. As Mayor he worked long to finally secure a commitment for highway enhancement through Opp (both 331 and 84); was a vital part in getting Opp certified as a Prepared City and a Tree City; led the way in providing funding to make the Chamber an effective organization. He encouraged the Recreation Department to organize very successful Youth Basketball and Soccer programs; added two new baseball classifications and rebuilt the High School baseball field to secure certification for State playoffs. He gave assistance to senior citizens programs and provided major impetus to completion of a paved and lighted walking trail; extended TV cable to outlying homes and communities; resurfaced and curbed several streets; provided sewage connections to many homes for the first time; purchased 92 acres for additional industrial growth and served faithfully on numerous local and area-wide committees and organizations to better serve Opp.
Mr. Nolen has been a member of the Opp Lion’s Club since 1949 and has served in many areas including president in 77-78. He was selected as Lion of the Year in 88-89. He is a life member of VFW. He has been a member of Opp’s First United Methodist Church since 1949 and has served his church, his community and his Lord in almost all areas of the Church’s work.
Throughout his career J. L. was very active beyond the local level. His influence and leadership in all these activities did a great deal to spread the fame of Opp and the excellent reputation of the Opp School System. His election to the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame is just one example of his recognition across the state. His career in education touched many lives in a positive way and his contributions to Opp, the county, the state and beyond, will carry through generations to come. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.
