Remembering Sen. Roger Bedford

The David Mathews Center for Civic Life celebrates the life of Board member Senator Roger H. Bedford, who died on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

Roger was a graduate of the University of Alabama where he worked closely with civic leader and educator Jean O’Connor-Snyder. Soon after graduating from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, Roger was elected to the State Senate at age 25. He served as a Democratic state senator from 1982 to 1990 and 1994 to 2014. Roger spent his life in public service and was instrumental in the establishment of the David Mathews Center. Dr. Cathy Randall, a longtime friend and DMC board member with Bedford, explains “There would be no David Mathews Center for Civic Life as we know it without the extraordinary efforts of Sen. Roger Bedford.”

The David Mathews Center greatly appreciates the contributions of Roger Bedford to the state and to our Center. The Center is planning a formal tribute to his life as part of our Civic Institute in February 2024. More details to follow.

Roger is survived by his son, Roger Bedford, III.

Arrangements for Sen. Roger Bedford are listed below:

Russellville First Baptist Church, 213 N Jackson Avenue, Russellville, AL 35653

Visitation: Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 12:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Service will begin at 4:00 p.m.

The family will have a private graveside burial service.