Bernard Lee Lauderdale

January 30, 1942 – October 31, 2026

Bernard Lee Lauderdale, age 84, passed away on October 31, 2026. Born on January 30, 1942, into a proud Air Force family, devotion to service was part of his life from the very beginning.

Bernard graduated from Auburn High School in 1960, where he met and married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Mary Allison Hatter. Following in his father’s footsteps, Bernard enlisted in the United States Air Force, dedicating years of honorable duty in supply management before retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. His military postings carried him and his family across the globe, with notable assignments at Kincheloe Air Force Base in Michigan, Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, and Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi.

Upon retiring from active duty, Bernard and Mary returned home to Alabama, eventually building their forever home out in the country. Surrounded by nature, it was there that Bernard was happiest, enjoying the outdoors. Not done serving others, Bernard embarked on and completed a full second career dedicated to helping fellow veterans at the VA Medical Center in Tuskegee. His family finds great comfort and peace knowing Bernard rests easy, holding onto the quiet victory that the city never overtook his country home during his time on Earth.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lorraine Lauderdale, and his brother, Pel Lauderdale.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Lauderdale; son, Danny Lauderdale, wife Cyndi, and grandsons Dan and Cross; brother-in-law, Billy Hatter and wife Jody; sister-in-law Linda Lauderdale; nephew Robert Lauderdale and niece Rebecca Beebe; nephews Bill Watts and Keith Watts; nephew Clay Hatter and wife Brittany, nieces Morgan Hatter, Melody Rudd, and Melissa Cole; and cherished grandnieces and grandnephews.

In lew of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army of Lee County at https://give.salvationarmyalm.org/campaign/842424/donate