Timothy Eddins

Timothy Eddins, 85, of Vestavia Hills, AL passed away after an extended illness on 11/4/19.  He was born in Panola, AL and grew up in Selma, AL.  He was preceded in death by his father Reverend Thomas Waul Eddins, mother Lillie Carter Eddins, devoted Aunt Hermoine Carter, two brothers Meredith and Calvin, one sister Catherine Eddins Reed.  He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kay and two sons Timothy Owens Eddins, Jr. (Hazel) of Vestavia Hills, and David Randall Eddins (Jennifer Jaye) of Rome, Georgia.  He delighted in his grandchildren Marie Kay, Samuel Owen, and John Thomas Eddins of Vestavia Hills; and Hannah Christine, Victoria (Tori) Anne, and Margaret (Maggie) Randall Eddins of Rome, Georgia.

Growing up, Tim was a member of Church Street United Methodist Church in Selma and was active in Scouting.  He was a graduate of A. G. Parrish High School, where he played on the football team and was a member of the track team and drama club.  He was a graduate of Marion Military Institute where he was a member of the Morgan’s Raiders.  He earned a B.S. Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Alabama in 1957.  Tim started his career at Hayes International in Birmingham.  He was transferred to Huntsville to work with NASA where he became a Licensed Professional Engineer.  While in Huntsville, Tim worked on the Apollo Space Program and had patents for a Saturn V Launch Release system and a Space Craft Soft Landing System which contributed to the success of the Program and ultimately getting man to the moon.

Tim and family resided in Decatur where he was an active member of the Central Methodist Church.  Tim loved the outdoors and many happy hours were spent on the Tennessee River with his beloved boat.

After seven years of working with NASA, he brought his family back to Birmingham and settled in Vestavia Hills.  Tim left Hayes in 1969 to start his own Consulting Engineering business.  As a Licensed Professional Engineer, he worked for many years with a variety of industrial companies as an independent consulting engineer, enjoying his work and the friendships that developed from those contacts.  He retired in 2011.

Alabama football games and grass cutting became his most satisfying activities in his later days.  As his health declined and he became less mobile, he found the computer more and more entertaining.  He discovered the music of Andre Rieu to be extremely enjoyable and relaxing. He also discovered a very well-done series of stories detailing the causes of aircraft accidents that he followed.  Another favorite pastime was simply relaxing on his deck enjoying bird watching and listening to nature.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 12th, from 11 a.m. until noon, at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Chapel with the service immediately following.  Graveside service to be held on Wednesday, November 13th at 1 p.m., at New Live Oak Cemetery in Selma, AL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Food Pantry, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of your choice.