Memorial service for Thad Wilson Brindley, 81, of Athens will be held at a later date by his family.
Mr. Brindley died Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Summerford Nursing Home. He was born March 10, 1935, in Morgan County to William Weaver Brindley and Lillian Pearl Adams Brindley. Thad was born and raised in Hartselle where he graduated from Morgan County High School in 1953. He moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1955, where he worked as a skilled tradesman and union representative. He lived in Warren, Michigan during that time and was married and had two children. He returned to Hartselle in 1982 and worked for Chrysler Corporation until his retirement in 2003 and moved to Athens. He was an active member of the UAW for his entire career and served in various positions within the organization.
Thad was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his harvests with his family and friends. Thad had 15 nieces and nephews living in Michigan and Alabama.
He had a special relationship with his nephew, Terry Miller of Hartselle and frequently expressed his love and gratitude regarding him.
Thad fought a terrible battle with cancer over the last 20 months, his family and friends still honoring his wishes of living at his beautiful home overlooking the Tennessee River. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Warren Bethea Brindley (U.S. Marine WW11 in 1943) and one sister, Margaret Petty.
Survivors include one son, William Thad Brindley (Abby), Tuscaloosa; one daughter, Kathy Sue Brindley (partner, Steve Jackson), Grand Blanc, Michigan; three sisters, Betty Miller, Hartselle, Joan Hudgins, Arab and Faye Taylor, Falkville; seven grandchildren, Dayna Holm, Erin Ortman, Kody Ortman, Kaitlyn “Katerae” Brindley, Capt. Jason Holm, Evan Brindley and Ethan Brindley; and one great-grandchild, Virginia Holm.
