Jimmy Ray Rorex, 82, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024. Born on August 22, 1942, to Milton and Betty Rorex, Jimmy lived a life as bold and full of energy throughout all of his years. This pattern of behavior earned him the nickname “Firecracker” that originated early and then followed him into adulthood. He was known for never meeting a stranger and he was a strong presence wherever he went.
Jimmy was born and raised in Stevenson, AL. His father was an active deacon for many years and his mom was a constant and known presence in their church family. In his adult years, Jimmy lived and worked in Scottsboro, AL. He was a long-standing member of Center Point Baptist Church, where he attended for many years after he married the love of his life, Mary “Edith” Tidwell, there on June 14, 1969. Over the years, Jimmy and Edith raised four girls in the Center Point Baptist church and in the Scottsboro community.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Betty Rorex; his beloved wife of 51 years, Mary “Edith” Tidwell Rorex; and his brothers, Herman and Junior Rorex and his sister, Virginia Byrd. He is survived by his four daughters: Lisa (Todd) Fountain, Patricia Miller, Mary Harden, and Debra (Joey) Guffey as well as his brother, Tommy (Pat), who will all forever remember him as a fiery, talkative, and fiercely proud husband, father and grandfather.
Jimmy also leaves behind quite a legacy with fourteen grandchildren: Bryon (Katie) Miller, Patric (Lena) Miller, Jarod Miller, Nicolis Miller, Nick (Shawna) Fountain, Zach Fountain, Tate Fountain, Megan Patterson, Bailey Harden, Millie Harden, Ashley Guffey, Ryean Guffey, Joseph Guffey, and Jaysen Guffey. He was blessed and proud to have five great-grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews, and many other extended family who loved him.
Jimmy’s passing leaves an empty space that can never be replaced, but his memory will live on. Jimmy wasn’t a man you could easily forget—even when you tried. His bold personality and his tendency to always have something to say made him unforgettable. For many years, he often demonstrated that as the self-installed volunteer unofficial Walmart door greeter who would speak to every single person that entered the store. He wanted to tell anyone that would listen about his kids and grandkids.
The family will receive friends and family during the visitation service at Scottsboro Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A service to honor Jimmy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Scottsboro Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jody Gamble officiating.
Arrangements Entrusted to Scottsboro Funeral Home
