John William "Bill" Redmond

John William “Bill” Redmond of Alabaster, Alabama passed peacefully at home Sunday Septemer17, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his wife of thirteen years, Sarah (“Sue”) Carolyn Pettit Redmond in 1965 and his wife of 49 years Etta D. Payton Redmond in 2015, his son Andrew (“Andy”) Redmond in 2014, his parents, Clyde Cammel Redmond and Clara Floyd Redmond, his siblings, Edith Annette Redmond, Mary Alice Redmond Arendale, Clyde Floyd Redmond, Clarence Sparks Redmond, Perry H. Redmond and Robert Donald Redmond.

He is survived by his son John (“Johnny”) William Redmond, Jr, his wife Jayne Drees Redmond, granddaughter Sarah Nicole Redmond and his daughter Carol “Jill” Redmond Crosby, her husband Lawrence “Larry” Crosby, grandson, Thomas Ian Crosby and granddaughter Erin Marie Crosby. William was lovingly called “Paw-Paw” by his grandchildren. He is survived by 30 nieces and nephews, 45 great nieces and nephews and 56 great-great nieces and nephews.

Mr. Redmond was born at home in north Birmingham on December, 23, 1929, the sixth of seven children. He attended Martin Elementary School and Phillips High School, where he ran Track, graduating in 1948. Directly after High School he went to work at Southern Railroad, where his father also worked, as an Electrician Apprentice. He was drafted in 1951 by the Army, served as a Radio Operator with the 47th Infantry Division in Korea. While in Korea, he wrote to his neighborhood buddies back home, who by now also in the Service and their younger sister, Sue answered back. He was Honorable Discharged January 1953 with rank of Sargent and was Army Reserve until 1957. Upon his return from Korea, he married Sarah (“Sue”) Carolyn Pettit on June 4, 1953.

His main career was as a Purchasing Manager, after Southern Railroad, he worked for Buffalo Electric, Summers Electric and Matthews Electric, retiring in 1992. He lived in west Birmingham, before moving to Midfield in 1963 and upon retirement moved to Alabaster.

He was a longtime member of Midfield Baptist church where he was ordained as a Deacon. Upon moving to Alabaster, he became a member of First Baptist Church, Alabaster where he was a faithful member and participating in many church activities.

He had the opportunity to travel all over the continental states, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Ireland, England, Scottland, Wales and Ecuador. He and Etta shared a love for birding and enjoyed a love for nature, joined the Hummer/Bird Study Group, went on bird banding trips and loved watching hummingbirds from their house. His favorite past time was watching baseball and football, especially Auburn and Alabama. He dedicated his life to his wife, children and grandchildren, always attending games and special events when able. Having lost his first wife at young age, he persevered to care for his family. He married Etta on November 18, 1966 and together they all formed a new family. Above all, he was a proud family man, who made clear to his wife and children he would do anything for them.

William was loved by all and will be greatly missed. A celebration of his life will take place at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, 2701 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, Alabama, on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 1:00 PM, Visitors received from 11:00 am to 1:00 PM, Family at 10:30. He will be laid to rest at Currie-Jefferson Cemetery with military honors.

Pallbearers: Robert (Bobby) Redmond, Jr., Wesley Redmond, Perry Redmond Jr, Paul Redmond, Reverend Jeff Redmond and Charles Pettit.

The Service will be led by Reverend Michael McVay.