Retired Circuit Judge Bobby Ray Aderholt, a Republican trailblazer in North Alabama, passed away peacefully at home following a brief battle with cancer. He was 85 years old.
Judge Aderholt was first elected to serve on Alabama’s 25th Judicial Circuit in 1976, when the state was still largely Democrat. The odds were stacked against him, yet he was able to prevail and earned the trust of the people in Winston and Marion Counties. Judge Aderholt held his seat until he retired in 2007.
He is survived by his son, Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt, his daughter-in-law, Caroline, and two grandchildren.
Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl released the following statement on Judge Aderholt’s passing:
“This is a great loss, not only for the Republican Party but for the state of Alabama. Judge Aderholt was a man of character and integrity who was a pioneer for the Republican Party in North Alabama. Our thoughts and prayers are with Judge Aderholt’s family and the people of his community who he served with honor,” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl.
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