Seven-Term Alabama State Senator Roger Bedford Jr. Dies at Home in Tuscaloosa

Roger Bedford, Jr., an Alabama Democrat who spent almost three decades in the state Senate, died Tuesday at his home in Tuscaloosa.

Bedford was a University of Alabama graduate, and active in numerous civic organizations including the Boy Scouts of America and the Rotary Club.

Tony Johnson, president of the Tuscaloosa Rotary club confirmed Bedford's death in a message to their fellow Rotarians Wednesday morning.

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"It is with profound sadness that I am communicating with you today. I am sorry to report to the membership that former Alabama State Senator Roger Bedford, Jr., passed away this morning at his home in Tuscaloosa," Johnson wrote. "Not only was Roger an outstanding Rotarian, but he was also an accomplished Jurist, a seasoned Statesman, a trustworthy friend, and a man who believed in serving others over himself. Just as you, I will miss my friend and our time together on the lake and at hunting camps. We should remember him and his commitment for pulling others forward so their tomorrow would be vastly different from their prior days. Roger Bedford has been 'creating hope in the world' for a very long time. I am proud we had the pleasure to serve with him and call him one of our very own."

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox shared condolences on social media and said Bedford called the Druid City his home during his final years.

Bedford represented northwest Alabama in the state Senate for seven consecutive terms, from 1982 through 1990 and from 1994 through 2014, primarily representing Alabama State Senate District 6. He lost a bid for an eigth term in 2014 when the District elected Republican Larry Stutts by a razor-thin margin.