“Gentlemen, Start Your Engines” were the words that Earl Roden loved to hear.
Earl left the race on Monday, August 3, 2026 at the age of 93. ‘ Rollin’ Earl Roden, as he was called among the racers that he competed against in his professional racing days, loved life; Whether on the river fishing for the prize Bass or in his beloved woods in Red Bay hunting for that 16-point Buck, or winning first place in his modified race car, he never gave up. For his courage and determination on the racetrack, he was listed as #5311 “Mama’s Worry” in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Earl was born on December 3, 1932 to Humphrey and Hettie Roden. Earl met the love of his life, Emma Alnita (Nita) Hollander and they were married in 1950. They lived their entire life in the Muscle Shoals area.
Earl is preceded in death by his mother and father, two brothers and one sister; his daughter Diane Crawford and son Dewayne Roden. He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Emma Alnita Roden and his son Wesley Roden (Randy). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dr. Chris Roden (Nicole), Hollie Peeden (Lee)
Billy Ray Crawford, Shelia Starnes (Joe). Daughter in law Twyla Roden and sister Mildred Thornton (Thomas) He was blessed with a host of great grandchildren;
Colby, Caeden and Madison Roden, Emma Grace and Bryant Peeden, Isbella Crawford, Joey, Joshua, and Brandon Starnes and three great-great grandchildren.
To those he loved, friends and relatives, who will long remember him as Husband, Daddy, Paw-Paw, friend, lawn-mower fixer, fisher, hunter, volleyball watcher, cheerleader supporter, ice hockey fan, baseball lover, hug giver and come to my table food provider, Rollin Earl will live on.
Earl will be laid to rest on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Colbert Memorial Gardens.
His service will be at Colbert Memorial Chapel with visitation from 10:00 am-12:00 pm and service at 12:00 pm.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Chris Roden, Billy Ray Crawford, Lee Peeden, Colby Roden, Richie Mitchell, and William Burns. Honorary Pallbearers will be Caeden Roden, Slim Alsobrooks, David Hollins and Jonathan Whitfield.
The family wishes to thank those who cared for him so dearly Amedysis Hospice especially Nurses Anna and Carmen.
You’ve crossed the finish line, taken the checkered flag and left a legacy that will never fade. Race on, Rollin Earl!
