Donald Caudle

Donald Thomas Caudle, age 78, who was born on January 30, 1947, passed away to his heavenly home on Tuesday July 8, 2025, after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Don was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother in law, uncle, and friends to many over his lifetime.

Don was married to Sara Rickman Caudle, his “bride” of 48 years as he lovingly called her, living in the community of Shannon, near Ross Bridge for the last 28 years.  Don’s devotion to not only his family but to the Methodist church was exemplary throughout his life as a devout Christian who worked on various committees and ministries with a servant’s heart, having served many years as a member at Aldersgate United Methodist Church and in his later years was a member of the First Baptist Church of Shannon until the decline of his health. In addition, Don was also a Mason and a member of the Pleasant Grove Chapter of the Masonic Lodge.  

Growing up, Don spent his childhood and youth in Pleasant Grove, AL with his parents Thomas and Helen Caudle. Upon graduation from Hueytown High School, Don served 6 years in the Army National Guard, and began working at Pleasant Grove Gas Company. Upon leaving Pleasant Grove Gas Company, his career began with General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) in collections, where he retired after 25 years. After retiring from GMAC, Don began working in collections with AmSouth, followed by SouthTrust and Landmark Credit Union.

Don lived a full life, excelling as grill master which to most would not be an easy task!  No worries from our family though as he ensured our gatherings and holidays were highlighted by the most delicious Boston butts, ribs and smoked turkeys you ever put in your mouth! He loved his family and especially enjoyed the outdoors fishing with friends and his nephews, hunting in the country with his brother in laws and golf.  Don’s passion for Alabama football was evident from the walls of his man cave featuring his large variety of prints and memorabilia which he loved!

Don is survived by his wife, Sara Rickman Caudle, his daughter, Wendi Wilson (Al),

grandson, Jefferey Neale Garrett Jr. (Alexis), granddaughter, Kirstin Garrett, great grandchildren, Piper, Wyatt and Emery.

Don is predeceased by his parents Thomas Caudle and Helen Smith Caudle Kilgore,

and his brother, Robert (Bobby) Caudle, and nephew Brandon Hall.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Crestview Memorial Funeral Home in Adamsville, AL. Visitation with friends and family will be at 10:00 am and a celebration of life at 11:00 am with internment following at Crestview Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to First Baptist Church of Shannon Youth Fund, P.O. Box 236, Shannon, AL 35142