He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Ethel Bodiford, sister Nellie Jewell Gilchrist, brother Narvele Bodiford.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Esther Grayson Bodiford. Four children: Two daughters; Debbie (Jimmy) Shumock, Beverly (Jimmy) Imholte - two sons; David and Mike Bodiford. Four grandchildren; Amanda (Matt) King, Blake Imholte, Caitlyn & Sydney Bodiford. Three great grandchildren; Darby & Laney King, and Marley Imholte. Two great-great grandchildren; Shay and Bentley Beasley. Three sisters-in law, one brother-in law, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Earl was the 3rd and last child of Eugene and Ethel Bodiford. He was a lifelong resident of Alabama. His younger days he lived growing up in Foley AL where he graduated from Foley High School in 1947. The preacher, which he was affectionately called and loved that moniker, assisted his father in starting the Pentecostal church in Foley. Earl held many jobs in his 93 years but the longest and most fulfilling job he had was preaching. He loved everything about being a pastor. He really got kick out of hearing folks say he had a great job, only one day a week! He and his wife began the Pentecostal church in Semmes around 1969 where they pastored there for about 40 years. He was a godly man and very proud of his faith.
Earl married Esther in 1954. In seven years, they added four children to their life. Most of Earl’s adult life was spent here in the Mobile area. Along with preaching and teaching God’s word he enjoyed playing the guitar, singing in that melodious sweet baritone he had and of course, he loved playing golf. Even at the age of 93 he was still talking about going golfing. He liked to travel and attend camp meetings. The two of them really enjoyed going to the mountains in Gatlinburg TN. While he never really liked cold weather, he thought the snow was beautiful.
Earl also had a keen sense of humor. You never quite knew what he’d come out with. One of his favorite sayings was ‘you don’t have to worry about growing old, you just have to stay here long enough.’ Well, he stayed here long enough for dementia to catch him and that was not pleasant. Dementia is a very cruel disease but he’s out smarted it now…. so go rest high on that mountain. Godspeed Preacher.
In lieu of flowers the family would like to request donations be made to Saad Hospice, Mobile AL. It is such a peaceful and serene place to exit this life from. The family offers many thanks to the nurses and caregivers. They made an unbearable situation somewhat bearable.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street in Mobile, AL 36606. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Pine Crest Cemetery West, 1599 Snow Road, Mobile, AL 36695.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com for the Bodiford family.
