Edsel Gideon

Edsel Gideon, age 95, of Vernon, AL, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at his residence. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 2:00pm from the Freewill Chapel Freewill Baptist Church in Sulligent, AL with burial to follow in the Wofford Cemetery. Bro. Arnold Sheets, Bro. Leon Barnes, and Bro. Jerry Smith to officiate the services. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The family would like to express a special thank you to Enhabit Hospice of Hamilton, AL.

Pallbearers: Tim Wilson, Chris Smith, Landon Quinn, Garrett Sanford, Brady Sanford, Bryant Smith

Mr. Edsel Gideon was born on December 18, 1929 in Splunge, MS to the late Woodie Gideon and the late Lena Falkner Gideon. He attended school in Splunge, MS and then attended Sulligent School. He worked at Glenn Manufacturing in Vernon, AL for 12 years marking fabric. He left there and went to work at Reltoc Manufacturing in Beaverton, AL as cutting department foreman for 26 years until the plant closed in 1995. After that he took a part time job at Vernon Sav Mor for 14 years. Mr. Gideon loved gospel music and singing about his Jesus. He sang lead with the Stateline Harmoneers for over 50 years with different members who became close friends. He was inducted in to the Lamar County Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999. He was a member of Freewill Chapel Freewill Baptist Church and served as an active deacon for 69 years. He loved and adored his family, especially his wife of 76 years. He enjoyed having all his family together singing around the piano, playing football with the grandsons, going on rides and just spending quality time together. He had a love for the outdoors and he took pride in gardening. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survived By:

Wife of 76 years: Judy Barnes Gideon, Vernon, AL

Daughters: Diane (James) Wilson, Vernon, AL

Barbara (Jerry) Smith, Dothan, AL

Tina (Johnny ) Quinn, Sulligent, AL

Grandchildren: Tim (Susan) Wilson, Teresa (Brad) Sanford,

Chris Smith, Erin (Markus) Criddle, Landon Quinn

Great Grandchildren: Terri (Colton) Rodriguez,

Garrett (Macy)Sanford, Brady (Kara) Sanford,

Bryant Smith, Tessa (Collin) Pennington, Emilee Smith,

Jaxon Criddle, Ava Grace Criddle

Step Great Grandchildren: Keegan Shelley and Korrie Watson

GG Grandchild: Walker Pennington

Step GG Grandchild: Jude Watson

A Host of Nieces, Nephews, and Special Friends

Preceded In Death By:

Parents: Woodie and Lena Gideon

Sisters: Eunice Eads, Ailene Gilbreath, Billie Chism, Annette Taylor

Brother: Buddy Gideon

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at: www.ottsfuneralhome.net

Otts Funeral Home

Sulligent, AL, Directing