Thomas Lawson Selden

Thomas Lawson Selden, 62, of Homewood, Alabama passed unexpectedly on Thursday, November 2, 2023. Tom was born on July 9, 1961 in Fairfax, Virginia to the late Congressman Armistead Inge Selden, Jr. of Greensboro, Alabama and Mary Jane Wright Selden of Talladega, Alabama. He spent his childhood in Falls Church, Virginia and Wellington, New Zealand. Tom was a proud graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South (Class of ‘83) where he received a degree in Economics. He continued his education to earn a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alabama School of Law (Class of ‘86). He had a successful law career as a partner at Starnes Davis Florie, LLP for many years as a civil litigator. Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife, Susan Jane Miller Selden, and is survived by their three children: Anne Lindsay Selden of Birmingham, Alabama, David Inge Selden, and Paul Armistead Selden, both of Portland, Oregon. He is also survived by his four siblings: Martee Selden Hewitt (Jamie), Armistead Inge Selden III (Liz), Jack Wright Selden (Kathy Collier) and Edith Selden Ezell (Larry) as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and other relatives whom he loved deeply.

Tom was humble about his accomplishments in life. Those who crossed paths with him knew that his compassion and respect for others went hand in hand with his determination and hard work. He was active in many social and professional groups including the Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society; Order of the Barristers; International Law Moot Court Team; and Phi Delta Phi while in college. Many who knew Tom could expect to see him running through the neighborhoods of Homewood and Mountain Brook training for his various competitions. Tom was an avid runner and completed thirteen marathons and multiple triathlons. His favorite races included the Boston Marathon, which he ran three times, and the Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota. He instilled a strong sense of appreciation for running in his children, who have enjoyed either racing themselves or enthusiastically cheering on participants. Tom had excellent taste in music and film. Anytime he saw you, he’d provide a recommendation of the next movie you needed to see or song you needed to listen to. Some of his favorite artists were The Beatles, Neil Young, The Doors, Pink Floyd, Counting Crows, and Wilco. Some of his favorite films were The Last Waltz, Some Like It Hot, Airplane, Princess Bride, Blazing Saddles, and Monster’s Inc. Tom loved to travel and prioritized taking family vacations to treasured places such as Sewanee, Tennessee; Park City, Utah; and Seaside, Florida.

A visitation will be held at Ridout’s Valley Chapel located at 1800 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Alabama on Monday, November 6, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 in the evening. A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church located at 1400 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Alabama on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 11:00 in the morning. Those who knew and loved Tom are invited to offer their condolences.

The family requests that any donations in Tom’s memory be made to Sewanee: The University of the South, to The American Cancer Society, or to the First Light Shelter in Birmingham, Alabama.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Selden family.