Edwin Marshall Vandall Jr.

Ted was born February 20th, 1962. His beloved parents, Edwin Van Dall, Sr. and Virginia Brakefield Van Dall, instilled in him from a young age the importance of patience, temperance, and good manners. None of it took. He was too passionate, and at times too inebriated, to be bridled by the conventions of traditional southern social etiquette.

His entire life, Ted was filled with a deep sense of duty to protect others. He often employed unorthodox, albeit ingenious, methods to pursue justice and fairness. As a child, Ted did everything possible to look after his older sisters Beth and Marsha. This equated to biting any potential suitor he deemed undeserving of them until he reached middle school. Those who knew him in his adolescence can attest to his willingness to throw school bullies through lockers and into toilets for mistreating others. Naturally, Ted later attended the University of Alabama School of Law to broaden his ability to advocate for others. He was known for his remarkable oral arguments and litigation skills. Although he enraged a great number of prosecutors over the years, Ted successfully kept 9 people from capital punishment during his tenure. It’s also worth noting he disappeared far more than ten times as many DUIs.

Very few people in history have won an argument against Ted. His love and appreciation for his wife, Suzanne, was demonstrated by the 4 entire disagreements in which he conceded defeat. He was wise enough to avoid debate with his daughter, Lexie, who could wreck his defense strategy by hugging his neck. He found his step-daughters, Jessica and Catrina, and grandchildren, Hailey, Colbie, Mackenzie, and Tyler, too sweet to ever disagree with.

In spite of his ferocity in the courtroom, Ted was a kind-hearted and affectionate man who adored his family and his church. His encyclopedic knowledge, unending compassion, and collection of mustard-stained ties have left an immeasurable impact on his loved ones and his community.

A viewing will be held at Kilgroe Funeral Home Saturday, August 14th from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church on Sunday, August 15th at 2 pm with graveside services to follow. The family humbly requests that anyone wishing to memorialize Ted sit on their porch, preferably with their dog, and enjoy a cold beer in his honor.