NOTE: This is the second of five Q&A features on the Cherokee County Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductees. The class was originally going to be inducted that year but was not because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest class of inductees will be formally honored at a banquet this Saturday at the Gadsden State-Cherokee Arena at 6 p.m. Today’s Hall of Fame focus features former Gaylesville running back Johnny Mack Dupree.

After breaking his legs as the result of an automobile accident, Johnny Mack Dupree more than recovered. He ran for 7,527 yards and 76 touchdowns, as well as 21 interceptions on defense in his football career at Gaylesville (1973-76).

As a sophomore in 1974, Dupree ran for 1,880 yards and 18 touchdowns, helping the Trojans earn a 9-1 record and tied Collinsville for an area title. A year later, Dupree eclipsed those marks as a junior by rushing for 2,986 yards and 32 scores. Gaylesville posted an 11-1 record that season, losing only to eventual Class 1A state champion Ranburne 20-14 in the state quarterfinals.

Dupree was chosen the Class 1A Player of the Year following that season, as well as a consensus all-state selection and co-MVP, along with Mountain Brook’s Major Ogilvie.

In 1976, Dupree suffered a knee injury, but he still ran for 1,950 yards after playing in just six games. He was again named the Class 1A Player of the Year.

Dupree was also a standout basketball player for the Trojans, leading the team in rebounding his junior and senior seasons.

Dupree died on July 22, 1991 from acute pancreatitis at the age of 33. His sister, Dianne Dupree Walker, shares her recollection of his athletic career below.

Q: Obviously Johnny Mack was a very talented athlete with tremendous running ability. Are there any particular games that stand out to you from his playing career?

A: “He was good. He could fly. The last time I saw him run, he was playing against Cedar Bluff. I don’t know how many yards he got that night, but it was a lot. He was taking a boy down the field with him. It was funny because I was running down the sideline with him too. That was the last chance I got to see him play.”

Q: His story is an incredible one after recovering from a car accident. What do you recall of that accident?

A: “He was in a car accident with his mother. He got pinned under the car, and he had to have some pins. I think they were in his knee. But he didn’t stay down long. He went to therapy. I really don’t know how long it took, but it didn’t take long.

“We lived pretty far from Gaylesville, but he ran from the Reeses’ place all the way to Gaylesville and back. When he got back he was soaking wet. He did that every day. Coach (Dale) Foster, if he was still alive, he would tell you the same thing. He would do that every day.”

Q: What kind of personality did Johnny Mack have?

A: “Johnny didn’t hang out with the guys too much. He was exercising all the time, running all the time. He just wanted to be good I guess.

“He was a good guy. He could get along with anybody until you pushed him to his limit. He was a good father and he was a good employee.”

Q: What do you think he would say about his grandson Tyren playing football in college at Liberty, knowing that his legacy continues?

A: “If he could only see him, he could see himself because Tyren is that good. I can see Tyren in him. He’s another Johnny Mack. I don’t know if he’ll go further with his career, but I hope he does. He’s playing college football now. I hope he makes the pros. I think he could make it. I hope that for him.”

Q: Unfortunately Johnny Mack passed at such a young age. I’m sure that had to be very difficult.

A: “His pancreas was inflamed and burst. That’s how he died. We knew he had something wrong with his stomach. When we had outings, like when we cooked at family gatherings, he said ‘No I can’t eat right now. I’ve got to wait.’ Sometimes he would carry his food with him. We didn’t even know he had (pancreatitis). He was like all the Dupree men. He was hardheaded and wouldn’t go to the doctor.”

Q: How honored were you to receive the call that Johnny Mack was being inducted into the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame?

A: “I just cried like a little baby. I was so happy. He’s been deceased for so long. It just brought tears of joy, so much joy.”