Charles Hansford

Charles Preston Hansford, Sr., 80, of Trussville, Alabama, passed away Friday, January 28, 2022 at his home.  A celebration of life service will be held at noon, Saturday, February 19 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, 1591 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235.  Those unable to attend may view a livestream of the celebration at www.jmgardens.com.

Charles was born December 5, 1941, in Casey County, Kentucky to Russell and Margie (Wilcher) Hansford.  Prior to starting his life-long career building bridges, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army (1959-1962), serving overseas in Germany.  After the completion of his military service, Charles joined the R.R. Dawson Bridge Company where he started as a carpenter, later working up the ranks to foreman and then superintendent.  Charles worked on bridge construction projects all over the southeast, and with a number of those focused in the Birmingham area he ultimately settled in the Alabaster, Alabama area with his wife Elizabeth (Robertson).  With Elizabeth, Charles raised three children and became guardian to a fourth.

Following Elizabeth succumbing to cancer in 1989, Charles met Catherine (Morgan), and the two were married in 1995.  With the marriage Charles gained three stepchildren and together they later adopted another son.  Charles and Catherine settled together in Trussville, Alabama in the Hawk Ridge subdivision, where they lived until his passing.

A devout follower of Christ, Charles was active in each of the churches of which he was a member, most recently the Faith Community Fellowship in Trussville.  Even through his retirement in 2013 Charles proudly identified as a bridge-builder and always maintained a passion for and fascination with heavy construction projects of all sorts.  He was also an avid fan of University of Kentucky basketball and University of Alabama football.

However, it was with those in his family and his many, many close friendships that Charles found (and gave) true joy.  He was always there to provide support to his children and grandchildren, never hesitating to help whenever, and in whatever way, was needed.  He became an auxiliary grandfather to the many children in his orbit, and his driveway (or backyard swimming pool) became the neighborhood’s de facto gathering place on holidays, weekends, or even just in the evenings after a long day’s work.  Charles was ever honest, to a fault, and would frequently follow up biting (but also accurate) criticism with a straightforward, “I’m just telling the truth!”  But…you always knew where you stood with him and he never wrote anyone off as being unworthy either of redemption or of his aid.  Charles loved travelling, especially to Catherine’s homeland in Scotland, and the cool summer days in the Highlands brought out the best in him.

Charles is survived by his wife Catherine, daughter Lisa, son Preston (Shelly), son Kevin (Jennifer), daughter Nikie Bettinger (Pam), stepson Richard Mickwee (Michelle), and son Kiley (Jenna).  He is preceded in death by stepdaughters Kirsty Inaya (Yousuf) and Melinda Wallace (Corey).  From these children, Charles had thirteen grandchildren (Heather, Josh, Jacob, Molly, Sara Beth, Hayes, Presley Kate, Zakaria, Catie, Sakeena, Richard, Wade, and Arthur) and a great granddaughter (Artie).  In addition, he is survived by his brothers Donald (Margie), Terry (Mary), Ray, Hal, sisters Linda and Connie (Warren) along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.