Walter Lee Tibbs

Walter Lee Tibbs, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, and mentor, passed away June 6, 2026, at the age of 73. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he was the son of Charles Lee Tibbs and Betty Evans.

Walt grew up in the Central Park area of Birmingham with his brother Charlie and his sisters Marie and Robin. He attended Central Park Elementary School and West End High School, graduating in 1971. At West End, he met his lifelong sweetheart, Suzanne (Suzie) Terry, and they were married on September 17, 1972. The pair built a family, welcoming daughter Jennifer in 1977, son Gregory in 1982, and daughter Haleigh in 1989. The family moved to the Fultondale area in 1983, and all three children attended Fultondale Elementary and Fultondale High School

After high school, he worked in industrial sales for several companies for over five decades, including Southern Coach, Georgia Trailer, M & D Supply, Banker Industrial, Hardline Fasteners, and most recently, Royal Brass. Walt was known for being the person who could find any part and would have others reach out to him when they were in search of harder-to-find items.

Walt also had a deep passion for fishing—he had many trips to fishing holes with his children, grandchildren, and friend Jack McDaniel, among others—as well as coaching youth sports at Fultondale Park, which he did for more than thirty years. His many hours at the helm of a number of teams and leagues allowed him to influence generations of young people through seasons of football, baseball, softball, and basketball. Whenever a parent had a question, Walt was there to answer it or find someone who could. Whenever a player needed a ride, he would pile as many into his truck as he could. In addition to his children and grandchildren, Coach Walt, as he was known to many, leaves behind numerous former players who recall his influence on their lives.

He is survived by Suzie, his beloved wife of 53 years; his children Jennifer Kelly (Jamie), Gregory Tibbs, and Haleigh Lehofer (Michael), and his grandchildren, Jacob Tibbs, Jackson Kelly, Makayla Tibbs, Beckett Kelly, Lennon Tibbs, and Rory Tibbs; his sister Robin Webber; and his sister-in-law Amanda Tibbs, plus a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, and more. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles; his mother, Betty; his brother, Charlie; his sister, Marie Preston; and his nephew, Adam Tibbs.

Walt’s celebration of life will be Thursday, June 25, at the Church of the Highlands, located at 3250 Lowery Parkway in Fultondale. Visitation will be from 5-6 pm with the Celebration of Life to follow. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and share their favorite memories.

In lieu of flowers, our family kindly asks that donations be made in Walter's honor to Fultondale Youth Sports. Checks may be made out to Fultondale Youth Sports and mailed to 3587 Mary Lane, Fultondale, AL 35068. Donations are also accepted via Venmo at @thesirbarton.