Homer “Rex” Etheredge Obituary

November 8, 1946 ~ February 5, 2026 (age 79)

Homer Rex Etheredge, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home on February 5, 2026, at the age of 79.

Born in Ashford, Alabama, on November 8, 1946, Rex was the son of the late Homer Odell Etheredge and Willa Lucille Silcox Etheredge. He graduated from Ashford High School and attended Auburn University on a basketball scholarship, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics — an achievement that reflected both his determination and lifelong commitment to providing for his family.

Rex began his professional career as a purchasing manager at Pineview Hospital in Hartselle, Alabama and went on to enjoy a successful forty-three-year career as a hospital CEO. While his professional accomplishments were significant, Rex never defined success by title alone. His motivation was always rooted in his desire to care for and provide for those he loved most.

Rex was married to Gwendolyn Mills Etheredge for fifty-eight years and was the father to two sons, Judson and Joshua, who dearly love him and cherished the life lessons he imparted. He instilled in them the value of hard work, integrity, and perseverance—not for recognition, but for the purpose of building a meaningful life rooted in family. He took immense pride in being a parent and grandparent who was faithfully present at sporting events and celebrating every milestone, from graduations to weddings. His absolute greatest joy in life was his family.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents; his older sister, Patsy Etheredge Caton and her husband, Dewayne Caton. He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn Mills Etheredge; his sons and daughters-in-law, Judson and Crystal Etheredge, Joshua and Teri Etheredge; and his beloved grandchildren: Matelyn and her husband Shane, Carsen, Cooper, Peyton, Hampton, Madeline, and Connelly. He is also survived by niece, Stacey Caton Prevatt (and husband Danny) of Ashford, Alabama and nephew, Kevin Caton (and wife, Karen) of Birmingham, Alabama.

Rex leaves behind a legacy not measured by years or achievements, but by the deep love he gave, the values he lived, and the family who was always his proudest accomplishment. His memory will continue to live on through the lives he shaped and the love he so generously shared.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The Etheredge family respectfully requests any memorial contributions in Rex’s memory be made to Enterprise Baptist Church, 25 Enterprise Church Road, Ashford, Alabama.