Ernest Leroy Reddick

Ernest Leroy Reddick, Jr, 93, died at his home on September 29, 2021, in Cullman Alabama. “Ernie,” as he was known by all, was a longtime business and civic leader in Cullman. A generous and loving man with an infectious sense of humor, Ernie was loved by all who knew him.

He was born on September 7, 1928 to Carrie Willis Reddick and Ernest Leroy Reddick, Sr. in Chipley, Florida, where he grew up. After high school graduation, he attended Emory University, then transferred to Florida State University, when they first admitted men. He played football on their first teams, where he was a star halfback, earning him a prominent place in the history of FSU football. It was at the Sweet Shop at FSU where Ernie met Joan Godwin, his bride of 71 years. They married after graduation and went straight to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to teach as civilians on the naval base for two years. From Cuba, he entered the Army, where he served in the Counterintelligence Core.

Ernie moved to Cullman with his young family in 1957 as the Personnel Manager of the new King Edward Cigar Plant. Some years later he became Plant Manager. During this time he was a leader in the town, serving as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary Club, the Red Cross Board, and the Cullman Park and Recreation Board. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the University of Montevallo and the Alabama State Parks Board. Of equal or more importance was his devotion to Grace Episcopal Church and its Diocese. Ernie served several times as Senior and Junior Warden of the church, was a long-time lay reader, and sang in the choir for many years. In addition, he served on the Diocesan Council of the Episcopal Church.

Through the years he played on various softball teams for King Edward, as well as for Grace Episcopal Church, and managed King Edward women’s softball teams. He was considered the unofficial “Home Run King.” He also enjoyed playing on Grace Church’s basketball teams alongside his sons. For many years he served as a referee for high school football games throughout North Alabama. For these various achievements and contributions, Ernie was elected into the Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame.

After the King Edward Cigar Plant closed in 1982, Ernie was transferred to the home office of John H. Swisher & Son in Jacksonville, Florida, where he worked until his retirement. He and his wife Joan then chose to move back to Cullman, where they have resided ever since. One of his favorite volunteer activities in retirement was delivering Meals on Wheels, which he did for 25 years. As enthusiasts of Spanish culture, he and Joan also made 14 delightful trips to Spain in retirement.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Carrie Reddick, his brothers, Allen and Hilliard Reddick, and his son, John Walter Reddick.

He is survived by his wife Joan Godwin Reddick and his children Caroline Reddick Lawson (Thomas) of Montgomery, Alabama, Allen Hilliard Reddick (Kirsten) of Sewanee, Tennessee, Ernest Leroy Reddick, III, (Nancy) of Tallahassee, Florida, Benjamin Colquett Reddick of Knoxville, Tennessee. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Herschel Towles Hamner, III, (Lauren), Susanna Hamner Ridlehoover (Jeff), Celia Frances Townsend Reddick (Alain), James Allen Reddick, Ashley Reddick Caudy (Danny), John Charles Reddick (Kelli) and great-grandchildren Robert Pierce Hamner, Catherine Marlowe Hamner, Henry Sparks Hamner, Keza Uwumugambi Reddick, and Charlotte Anne Caudy.

A service will be held in the garden of Grace Episcopal Church in Cullman on Oct. 4 at 11:00. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Memorial Fund of Grace Episcopal Church, 305 Arnold Street, Cullman, AL 35055.