Thomas Lewis "Ted" Talley

Thomas Lewis “Ted” Talley, 76, recently of Spanish Fort, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope. Born in Anniston to James Lewis and Cora Rebecca Talley, he lived most of his life in Anniston, Albertville, and Gadsden.

Ted was a passionate man who enjoyed gospel music and shared the gift of his beautiful voice with so many up until a short time ago. Even after his voice became weakened, Ted continued to lead gospel singing at Regency Point Independent and Assisted Living in Gadsden. He worked in the grocery business for over 40 years before transitioning to chemical sales. In his spare time he enjoyed golf, reading, watching and attending sports events particularly Auburn football and Atlanta Braves baseball.

Ted was extremely loving and proud of his three children, Keith Talley, of Palm Coast, FL; Paige Ellison, of Fairhope; Amy Williams and her husband Jarrett, of Spanish Fort; and his four grandchildren, Preslee Talley, of Guntersville; Thomas Ellison, of Auburn; Sarah Williams, of Gadsden; and Madeline Ellison, of Fairhope. Ted was actively involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren and was beloved by them all.

Ted came from a large, loving, close family that started with 10 siblings. He is survived by his sisters Bettie Moore, of Lincoln, and Gail Lovvorn, of Newell; brothers Jimmy Talley, of Oxford; David Talley, of Eastaboga; and Randall Talley, of Oxford; his lifelong sweetheart and former wife of 51 years, Tula Wayne Talley, of Gadsden; as well as his many, many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Many dear people touched Ted’s life during his illness. The family wishes to especially thank Cardiologists Robert Robichaux, Sr. and Jr, of Birmingham and Fairhope; James D. “Jim” Smith, of Mobile; Southern Care Hospice, Thomas Hospital Two North Telemetry Unit, and The Kirklin Clinic & UAB Hospital.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 26 from 12 noon until 2:00 PM with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM, Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 542 West 52nd Street, Anniston, AL 36206. Burial will Follow at Forestlawn Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Thomas L. “Ted” Talley Voice Performance Scholarship Endowment, University of Mobile, 5735 College Parkway,

Mobile, AL 36613 so that his love of gospel music can be nurtured in generations to come.