Dr. Frank Rudeseal, Sr.

He was an accomplished athlete in his youth, playing football throughout high school, and from an early age aspired to become a physician. Despite facing the challenges of dyslexia at a time when it was not widely understood, he remained steadfast in his determination. He also was one of the youngest Eagle Scouts in the Nation at age 11. He was also part of the Junior NRA and was an exceptional marksman.

He graduated from Stark High School in Orange, Texas, in 1968. On November 8, 1970, he married his beloved wife, Eda, and together they began building a family, welcoming their first child in October 1973. Dr. Rudeseal earned a Master’s degree in Biology from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, in 1975. He later attended Texas Chiropractic College, receiving his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1978. His second child was born in 1979.

Still pursuing his lifelong goal of becoming a medical doctor, he applied to medical school and was accepted to the American University of the Caribbean. In 1982, he moved to Alabama and completed his medical training, graduating in 1983 and completing his residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, specializing in Internal Medicine. His third child was also born in 1982.

Dr. Rudeseal went on to practice medicine in the Birmingham area for over 40 years. He built a large and respected primary care practice, caring for more than 3,500 patients at the time of his passing. He also served as a hospitalist, dedicating his life to the health and well-being of his community.

He was a proud citizen of the Southeastern Mvskoke Nation of Troy, Alabama, where he served as one of two tribal judges. Deeply devoted to his heritage, he took every opportunity to share his culture with others. He frequently visited schools to educate students and was passionate about traditional crafts, including bow making, flint knapping, and leatherwork.

In addition to his medical career, Dr. Rudeseal raised Quarter Horses for over 30 years and was an avid participant in the sport of cutting. He raised a world champion horse, Playboy Jose, and leaves behind a legacy through the many offspring that continue to compete in rodeo events.

Dr. Rudeseal was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Frank H. Rudeseal, Jr., in 2020. He is survived by his devoted wife, Eda Rudeseal; his daughters and sons-in-laws, Gretchen and Bill Arnold, and Tiffany and Jamon Hethcox; and his cherished grandchildren, Dakota Arnold, Vaden and Alyssa Arnold, Holden Arnold, Wyrick Arnold, Stella Hethcox, and Frank Hethcox. Sisters, Norma Godwin, Clytie Lee, Martha Banning, Wanda Lester and brother Ronald Rudeseal.

He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his patients, and his community, as well as for his resilience, compassion, and enduring legacy.

A reception will be held at Ridout's Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road, AL 35209, on April 22, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.