GARY BUFORD FOSTER

Gary Foster, age 71, of Hueytown, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home on June 24, 2025, with his beloved wife, Barbara (Hulsey) Foster, close by. Gary entered this life on Oct. 22, 1952, and was the first of three children born to Buford and Nell Foster of Hueytown. His childhood was filled with happy memories made alongside his brother, Bobby Foster (Susan), and his sister, Robin Howton (Barry). In addition to playing sports, Gary also spent time enjoying what would become one of his life’s passions, hunting, marking his first deer at the age of 9. He attended Hueytown High School, graduating in 1971. During his senior year, he met the love of his life, Barbara, and the two were married Oct. 18, 1975. Gary was 22, and Barbara was 19. This October would have marked their 50th wedding anniversary. In 1980, the couple welcomed their first son, Chad Buford Foster, followed by a second son, Brad Steven Foster (Ashley), in 1984. Gary was the heart of his family and loved his boys unconditionally, even though he was lovingly known as “the dad you didn’t want to mess with” among his sons’ friend groups. Time and again, Gary showed his children grace, patience and forgiveness, even when those gifts were tough to bestow. Gary began his career shortly after high school, loading trucks for Buffalo Rock in Birmingham. By the time he retired in 2012, he had risen to become Operation Sales Manager for one of the most recognized brands in the world. After 40 years of service to Buffalo Rock, Gary joined Barbara in an independent business venture as owners and managers of Foster’s Furniture in Hueytown. They founded the company in the wake of the April 27, 2011, tornado outbreak that devastated western Jefferson County and surrounding areas. One of the tornadoes, in fact, ripped the Fosters’ own home from over their heads. Gary was there, protecting his family through the devastation unfolding around them. Then, he set about serving the community. Seeing the need for home furnishings as families began to rebuild, the idea of Foster’s Furniture was born; the store continues to serve customers from across Central Alabama to this day. Gary was a fighter, having survived not only the 2011 tornado, but also a small plane crashing into the family’s home in 1991. He later battled Stage IV throat cancer, from which he was declared in full remission in 2017. It was also his strength and fighting spirit – coupled with his deep faith and resilient marriage – that enabled him to survive the loss of his beloved son, Chad, in 2015. His greatest joys in life were his friends and family, whom he loved so fervently. His many hours spent hunting alongside best friend, Robbie D. Wood, his wife, Vicki Wood, and Robbie’s son, Brett Wood, at Lynn-Dale Farm were some of his most cherished … even when there wasn’t a deer to carry home at the end of the day. Gary experienced the utmost joy being with grandsons, Lucas Chad and James Calvin (Brad and Ashley Foster), who came into his life in 2019. Known as “Granddaddy” to the twins, Gary took to his grandfather role naturally and was loved by the boys so very much and for so very many reasons. In addition to his wife, son, daughter-in-law, grandsons, siblings/their spouses, and closest family friends, he leaves behind sister-in-law Terry Hulsey Grimes (Bo) and brother-in-law David Hulsey, as well as many nieces and great nieces, a nephew, great and great-great nephews, cousins, colleagues, customers, and friends from many chapters of his life. With broken hearts, all who knew him will continue to honor his life’s legacy, rejoicing in his heavenly eternity until they are reunited with him one sweet day. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, at Hueytown Baptist Church, with Visitation from 2-3PM and Celebration Service from 3-4PM.