Ardis Weems was born on October 21, 1927, in Oneonta, Alabama, into a farming family. At his high school graduation, he received the American Legion Award as an outstanding graduate. He began college at Auburn University and graduated with a B. S. in Education at Jacksonville State University. After teaching for several years, he became principal of Eden Elementary School.
Mr. Weems began his career in the insurance business at U. S. F. & G. He moved on to become an accomplished salesman and an officer at Hamilton and Shackleford Insurance Agency. One of his prized achievements was to be a Charted Property and Casualty Underwriter, the CPCU designation. This title was awarded after rigorous study in five different areas and passing nationwide exams.
Mr. Weems was an officer in the Alabama National Guard and left the service with the rank of Captain in the Army Reserve. He was appointed to the St. Clair County School Board and later was elected by the voters of St. Clair County to a six-year-term. During his tenure, he was chairman of the board. He served on the Board of Directors of the St. Clair Federal Bank.
He was an enthusiastic bridge player and held the Life Master and Bronze Life Master titles from the American Contract Bridge League. He loved playing with his friends at the Catholic Church in Pell City, Alabama, and competing in tournaments on the internet. Over the years, he spent many happy days playing golf, usually walking the course at Pell City Country Club with friends and, very often, with his brother Andus Weems.
His memoir, Friday’s Crossing in the Great Depression and After, recounted his life growing up on the farm, an independent economic unit. One last regret was that he didn’t help his father make one more crop. His mother eased his concern when she said, “You twern’t no farmer.” Ardis Weems was truly a wonderful representative of “The Greatest Generation.”
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shirley Crawford Weems; son, Ardis Neal Weems; daughters, Mary Lillian Weems and Una Weems Tilson (Douglas Wood); grandchildren, Loren Martha Tilson (David Page), Ardis Redford Tilson, and Matthew Lane Weems.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Bobby Gean Henderson Weems; parents, Floyd and Lillian Weems; brothers, Curtis Arvel Weems and Andus Q Weems; sisters, Alzie Laurel Allison and Marjoe Sanders.
A visitation will be held at 10:00am, with a memorial service following at 11:00am on Saturday. January 20, 2024 at Kilgroe Funeral Home (Pell City).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kilgroefh.com for the Weems family.
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