Robert Edmonds

Hugh Edmonds, born on November 14, 1931 in Centreville, Alabama…much loved and adored by his family and many friends, stepped into heaven on July 26, 2022.  He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Emmett Edmonds, his mother, Clara Ray Avery Edmonds, his brother, a courageous World War II B-25 Bomber Pilot, Richard Avery Edmonds, and a precious baby boy, Mark Reynold Edmonds. He was married to the love of his life, Margaret Ann Shotts Edmonds of Centreville, Alabama, for fifty-six years. He was a wonderful father to his sons, Richard David Edmonds of Centreville, Alabama and Stephen Quinn Edmonds of Tuscaloosa, Alabama…a cherished father-in-law to Andrea Johnson Edmonds of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and an incredibly loving granddaddy to Quinn Anderson Edmonds, Helen Claire Edmonds and Ruth Cannady Edmonds of Tuscaloosa. He was also blessed to have a most faithful sister and friend, Jean Edmonds Beverly of Ozark, Alabama.

Hugh began selling peanuts on his bicycle at eight years old. In 1945, he convinced his father to build him a 10’x12’ store. His father loaned him the money to buy the inventory and at the age of 14, Hugh Edmonds was the sole proprietor of Hugh’s Grocery. He stocked flour, sugar, lard, canned goods and other staples to serve his community of Harrisburg, Alabama. He repaid his father for the loan and ran a successful store. In 1948, he built a concrete block building by the road in front of his house and moved the store there, which he operated until 1958. He then took a job selling Farm Bureau insurance and from there, he ventured out into real estate, loans, hotels and other business interests.

Hugh loved the Lord and his church, Bethel Baptist, where he served as a deacon. He was an Emeritus member of The Alabama Baptist Board, a former member of The University of Mobile Board of Trustees, and a Trustee Emeritus at The University of West Alabama. He served the community he loved as a member of the Board of Directors for Bibb Medical Center, and he also enjoyed being a long-time member of the Civitan Club.

Hugh’s life was full, fast-paced, always interesting and so well-lived.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 29, 2022 at Bethel Baptist Church in Brent, Alabama from 9:30-11:30 with a celebration of his wonderful life to follow at 11:30. A graveside service will follow at the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. Magnolia Chapel South is directing.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Charles Beverly, Mr. Doug Beverly, Mr. Robert Beverly, Mr. Quinn Edmonds, Mr. Danny McMillan and Mr. James Murphy.

Honorary Pallbearers are Hugh’s Loving Caretakers and Office Family

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Avery-Edmonds Memorial Fund at Bethel Baptist Church. Bethel Baptist Church, P.O.Box 301  Brent, Alabama 35034