Felix David Caudle of Smoke Rise, Alabama died August 20, 2026, at the age of 81.

David worked in medical equipment repair for many years and retired as Senior Radiological Engineer from UAB. He loved traveling with his beloved wife Edna and his Casita, driving as far as Alaska. He loved caving, rock collecting, photography, and bird watching with Edna. He was always learning and was interested in everything. He was a true Renaissance man, constantly working on projects ranging from building entire houses for himself and his children to a full suspension bridge and a covered bridge. He was always planning new projects and leaves behind enough dreams both practical and outlandish to fill another 81 years. He gave freely of his time, knowledge, and effort to anyone who asked. A life like his can never be captured in words, however long the obituary - he lived fully and well, and he was deeply loved.

David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Edna Williams Caudle, and two children, Jenny (Eric) Crisp and Greg (Jody) Caudle; grandchildren Nathan Smith, Paresseaux Girion Caudle, Lucas David Caudle, and Vincent Keller Caudle; siblings Waneta Dickinson, Trina Gentry, Edrena White, Noel Caudle, Alan (Debbie) Caudle, and Ivan (Karen) Caudle and sister-in-law Mary Jane Caudle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Keller and Rosa Mae Caudle, siblings Kenith Caudle, Glenda Moore, Delana Caudle, and Robin Caudle, and siblings-in-law Bobby Dickinson, Ray Moore, Morris Gentry, Frank White, and Ellen Caudle.

A celebration of the life of David Caudle will be held at Messmer-Goodwin Funeral Home in Warrior, Alabama on August 30, 2026 at 2:00 pm. The family asks everyone who can to share memories and stories about David or to send them in advance. Prior to the memorial service's commencement, there will be a visitation from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to one of David's favorite causes, the Southeastern Cave Conservancy, https://saveyourcaves.org/