Ruben Todd

Mr. Ruben Todd, age 84, of Boaz, Alabama, died on Thursday, November 22, 2024, at Shepherd’s Cove Hospice.

 Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at two o’clock pm in the McRae Chapel with Bro. Clay Spears officiating. Interment will follow in Walls Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12:00pm-2:00pm at the funeral home.

 Mr. Todd was born in Alabama on October 11, 1940, to Chester & Eloise McDowell Todd. Mr. Todd was born to Share Croppers in Boaz, Alabama. Everything in his early life revolved around farming. From plowing fields with horses and mules, to him and his brother E.J. cutting stove-wood and firewood with a crosscut saw, Ruben was always doing working to help provide for his family.

 Dad was an exceptional farmer at an early age. He was President of his High School FFA Club and represented Walnut Grove High School at the 1958 FFA Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. One of Dad’s favorite stories to tell is about the train trip he and his Ag Teacher took from Birmingham, Alabama to the convention in Missouri. Dad won many awards in FFA, but his favorite was winning State Champion Tractor Operator.

 After graduating high school, Dad decided to try to make a living outside of the farm. In the early 1960’s, Dad took a job in the Finance and Insurance Industry.

 Dad managed finance offices from Beaumont, Texas to Boaz, Alabama and many points in between. 

1972 presented Dad with an opportunity to manage a finance office in Boaz ,AL. Dad often told me he was always trying to figure out a way to get back home so he’d have a place to scratch out a living if push came to shove.

 After returning to Sand Mountain with 4 children, Dad was able to start buying the farm he grew up on. By 1975 he was fully involved in the poultry industry, having grown for Wayne Farms and Gold Kist. Dad was also heavily involved in the beef cattle industry, as well as maintaining a full time job in the finance and insurance industry.

 In the early 1980’s, Dad began transitioning from the finance and insurance industry, to “almost” full time farming. During this time, he was working a full time job at National Incinerator.

 Dad worked at National Incinerator until the early 2000’s, at which time he fully retired from public work and concentrated solely on his beef cattle operation until his health began to fail in July of 2022. 

Dad fought a valiant fight against Chronic Congestive Heart Failure for 2 years, only to be stricken by Esophageal Cancer which took his life in 10 short weeks.

Dad loved farming and deer hunting. A better steward of the land, you will never find. Dad’s favorite pastime was spending time at his hunting camp with his friends, especially his brother Micah. 

Mr. Todd is survived by his Daughters & Son-in-Law: Lori Todd, Lynne & Mike Maylen both of Colorado. Son: Jeffrey Todd of Boaz. 4 Grandchildren & 9 Great Grandchildren. Brother: Micah & Jane Todd of Nectar. Sisters & Brother-in-Law: Sharon & Terry Murdock of Douglas, Phyllis Howell of Hokes Bluff.

 Special thanks to Pall Bearers: Jeffrey L. Todd, Landon Copus, Cory Todd, Dru Schaffer, Darin Baker, Billy Watson 

 He was preceded in death by his Parents: Chester & Eloise Todd, Mother of his children: Linda Copus. Wife: Bonnie Todd. Daughter: Tracey Copus. Brother: E.J. Todd. Sister: Frances Cornelius. 

 The family suggests in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Big Oak Ranch. 250 Jake Mintz Rd. Gadsden, AL. 35905.