Senator Jack Biddle III

Senator Jack Biddle, III was the son of Alyne and Jack Biddle, Jr. He was born and grew up in North Birmingham and later moved to Gardendale, Alabama. He was married to his beloved wife, Nena Biddle, and they were preparing to celebrate their 70th anniversary before her passing in 2022. With Jack and Nena now reunited, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Jack served in the Alabama Legislature for 32 years, from 1974 – 2006, in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Thus far, he has been the only person in state history to be elected as a Democrat, an Independent, and a Republican. During his years in the legislature, Jack chaired the Rules Committee, Health Committee, Tax Structure Committee, Long-Range Highway Commission, and Hazardous Waste Oversight Committee, as well as many others. Additionally, he served as a Floor Leader for three governors. Jack authored many bills that are now state law, most notably a bill that removed taxes from prescription drugs. He was especially interested in seeing that all Alabama citizens had access to affordable health care. Jack served on the Jefferson County Coroner’s Medical Examiner’s Board, the Governor’s Task Force on Infant Mortality, the State Mental Health Oversight Committee, Mental Health Bonding Authority, Alabama Mental Health Finance Authority and the UAB Department of Psychiatry Advisory Committee. He was also appointed to the Forum for State Health Policy Leadership, a forum of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Among his honors and awards, Jack was named Man of the Year by the Alabama Nursing Home Association, Person of Vision Award by the Eye and Tissue Bank, Crimefighter of the Year, Conservationist of the Year by the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Man of the Year by the Alabama Sheriff’s Association, and also by the Alabama Library Association for his work in education. Jack was a real estate broker and builder, as well as assistant to the CEO of the Drummond Company. He was a graduate of Samford University, and he served in the Counterintelligence Corps of the U.S. Army. Jack Biddle, III was a man with a larger-than-life personality who commanded any room he entered. He was a visionary with a sharp brain always full of new ideas and projects, and his leadership skills and determination saw many, if not all, of those projects come to fruition. He had a deep love for the great outdoors, especially Lake Mitchell and his farm in Wilcox County. Throughout Jack’s lifetime, he captivated audiences with his innate charisma, and if one had the privilege to be in his inner circle, he or she understood the depths of his great generosity and his capacity to love well. His true love, however, was Nena, and his longing to be with her again makes this day a joyous one for all who knew him. While that truth stands, it is equally true that Jack will be incredibly missed. His powerful presence is truly irreplaceable. Jack is survived by his two children, John Biddle (Janet) and Carolyn Jan Biddle. Jack has two grandchildren, John Berry Biddle, Jr. (Kristy) and Brooke Biddle. Jack has four great grandchildren, Jack, Will, Sam and Annaleigh Biddle. Jack is also survived by his sister, Jacqueline Porter; as well as multiple nieces and nephews. The family will receive guests on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home, with a service to begin at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Jack to JBS Mental Health Authority, 940 Montclair Road, #200, Birmingham, AL 35213. The family would like to extend our gratitude for the excellent care provided by Maria Young, Davina Hughes and Covenant Place.

Tributes

Senator Jack Biddle III

February 7, 1928 - February 18, 2024