Bobby Joe Edmonds

Bobby Joe Edmonds, lovingly known as "Pop" by his large and devoted family, passed away on January 1, 2026, New Year's Day, at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was 85 years old, born on June 21, 1940. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rick Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Pop was preceded in death by his parents, Novis Raspberry Edmonds and Harvey Edmonds, and by his beloved wife of 55 years, Patricia Edmonds.
He is survived by his wife Lynda Edmonds, daughters, Becky Yeager (Bill) and Dana Gilliland (Allen); his son, Bobby "Jim" Edmonds (Janet); grandchildren, Candice Balenger (Heath), Clint Payton (Allison), Courtney Edmonds, Chloe Edmonds, Carlie Edmonds (Marty), Chelsey Fields (Cody), and Cayla Graham (Scott); step-grandson, Ricky Yeager (Cassie); great-grandchildren, Talan Balenger, Tate Balenger, Connor Payton, Jack Edmonds, Truss Balenger, Abby Fields, and Rhett Hubbard; step great-grandchildren Madeline, Tori, and Henry Yeager; and his sister, Carolyn Hutchins (Ronnie).
Pop worked hard his entire life; he never quite learned how to sit still. Over the years, he served in the National Guard, the Navy Reserve, worked in the coal mines, and later at Power and Rubber Supply, retiring (twice) before choosing to spend his time volunteering at the Christian Ministry Center and DCH in Tuscaloosa. He was the human example of a servant's heart. Starting in his 50s, he became an avid runner who completed dozens of marathons, and he continued running for as long as his body allowed. He even spent some time as a coach for the Leukemia Society and Tuscaloosa Track Club, where he helped others to reach their goal of running a marathon and even won awards for his mentoring efforts. He loved country westerns, old country music, and especially time with his family. He started many mornings with country songs blaring in his truck, and countless hours were spent watching shows like Walker, Texas Ranger and Family Feud with those he loved.
Pop's home and family street was always busy, never boring. He could often be found riding his golf cart around outside hoping to run into someone in his family, tending to his chickens, fixing something that may or may not need fixing, or maintaining the family pool that became a home base for his family for generations. He took pride in his family, his projects, his independence, and his famous thick, dark head of hair that never seemed to really turn gray. After the loss of his wife Patricia, Pop later married Lynda, who became a devoted partner to him and cared for him faithfully, especially in his later years.
Above all, Pop was a Christian who loved and served the Lord. He was selfless, generous, witty, and endlessly kind. He's someone who was lucky enough to never have met a stranger and always made people laugh, whether it be his physical therapist in rehab or his great-grandchild. He was deeply loved by his family, his friends, and his community.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hospice of West Alabama, Heritage Health Care and Rehab, West Alabama Family Practice with special thanks to his doctor and friend Dr. Buettner, longtime friends Bob Cockrell, Linda Olivet, Scottie Hardin, Mike and Debbie Higgins, and Robin Bailey, Dr. Patton his neurologist, and his newest friends, his sitter family (Laura, Shirley, Brenda, Geneva, Kedagesa, Cindy, and Geraldine).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of West Alabama.