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Charles Edward “Eddie” Gideons Jr., 56, of Atmore, passed away on June 16, 2020.

He was born on Feb. 21, 1964 in Atmore.

Eddie worked for Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Atmore from 1995 until 2004, when he then began what at that time was his dream job, working in the woods as a forestry technician along side his mentor, Big Hoop Matthews, until Matthews’ death in 2006.

In 2003, Eddie then began his life passion, flying. He was mentored by J.W. Wallace of Wallace Flying Inc.

Eddie was an avid turkey and deer hunter and fisherman and cherished all his time with his extended outdoor family. And watched a many of sunrises with them. His dedication to outdoors inspired others to achieve the knowledge he obtained. Family, friends, farmers, hunters and pilots alike always wanted to be around him. He enjoyed life to the fullest.

He is preceded in death by his father Charles Edward Gideons Sr.; maternal grandparents, T. Onree and B. Marie Owens; and paternal grandparents Shelby C. and Lydia Gideons.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy Smith of Atmore; mother, Marilyn Owens Gideons-Davidson of Atmore; his children, Charles Edward “Bo”(Christie) Gideons III. of Waterford, Texas, Levi Trest Gideons of Auburn, Heath Smith of Milton, Fla., Tanner Gideons of Atmore, Holly (Ervin) St. Germain of Pensacola, Fla. and Ande Marie (Ricky) Smith of Spanish Fort; three siblings, Bub Gideons of Atmore, Ondrea Marie Gideons Williamson of Atmore and Monica (Jeff) Gideons Sharp of Carrollton, Ga.; and nine grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tues., June 23, 2020 at McCullough Christian Center with family friends Hooper Matthews, Blaine Chastang and Bro. Wayne Harris officiating.

Burial followed in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Oak Grove, Fla.

Active pallbearers were Mark Mack, Shawn Linam, Doug Kaiser, Steven Brantley, Jeff  Parker, Mac McMillian, Joe Barber and Dan Symms.

Honorary pallbearers were Joe Coker, Aubrey Peacock, Clyde Helton, Thomas Qualls, Ray Singleton, David Smith, Thomas Miller, Jimmy Crook and Billy Rolin.

Visitation was held June 22, 2020 at McCullough Christian Center.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.