Uhland Ottis Redd III

Uhland Ottis Redd, III
Uhland Ottis Redd III passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, in Florence, Alabama. He was born on March 10, 1937, in Tuscumbia, AL, to Ellen Mitchell and Uhland Ottis Redd, Jr. A lifelong resident of Florence, he attended Kilby Training School and Coffee High School, where he served as President of the Student Council. He attended Southwestern at Memphis, now Rhodes College, for one year and graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. degree in Commerce and Business Administration. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After college, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and later served in the Alabama National Guard where he obtained the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged. After his military service, Uhland joined his father and uncle at the Florence Lumber Company, which was founded in 1912. He later became the third-generation family owner of the business and remained in that role until his retirement in 2009. In 1965, Uhland married the one true love of his life, the former Josephine Elizabeth England of Birmingham, Alabama. Together, they welcomed three sons who brought them immense joy over their sixty years of marriage.
Uhland was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Florence, where he served as both Deacon and Elder, as well as on the Board of the Presbyterian Children's Home. He was also active in the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce and served on the Boards of the Shoals YMCA, the Boy Scouts, and the University of North Alabama President's Cabinet. He especially enjoyed volunteering at the Friends of the Library Bookstore and attending concerts by the Shoals Symphony Orchestra. Uhland was deeply proud to be from Florence and loved telling stories about its history and the many remarkable people he encountered throughout his life. He delighted in sharing his passion for Alabama football with his sons and grandchildren. His regular lunches with the Good Ole Boys and gatherings with close friends were a great source of joy. He loved food and drink-especially Josephine's homemade mayonnaise and his signature "Pop's Old Fashioned." He will be remembered by friends and family as a kind and selfless Southern gentleman who set a lasting example for his sons and worked to help those less fortunate.
The family is deeply grateful to all former employees of the Florence Lumber Company as well as those who offered their love and assistance over the past several years, especially Jeannette Lerch, Anne Ezell, Frances Jackson, Joanna Anderson, and the staff at Kirkwood by the River, Keestone of Florence, and Hospice of North Alabama.
Uhland was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William Henry Mitchell Redd. He is survived by his wife, Josephine; three sons: Edmund (Anne), Mitchell (Mary Katherine), Uhland IV (Patty). He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Elizabeth, Fleming, Uhland V, Josephine, Mary Ellen, Katherine, and John, all of whom he loved deeply and was very proud.
A memorial service will take place at First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 11:00, followed by a visitation at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to First Presbyterian Church of Florence, the YMCA of the Shoals, the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library or a charity of your choice.
Elkins Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.
You are invited to leave condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com.