Search Tuscaloosa County Obituaries
Tuscaloosa County obituary records are available through the Tuscaloosa News, Tuscaloosa Thread, and numerous funeral homes in the area. The Probate Court at 714 Greensboro Avenue has an online records search system and maintains marriage and probate records from 1823. The Tuscaloosa Public Library holds a repository of older death records and obituaries for family history research. This is one of the largest counties in Alabama, home to the University of Alabama and a population of over 227,000. Multiple obituary resources serve this area.
Tuscaloosa County Quick Facts
Tuscaloosa County Probate Court
The Tuscaloosa County Probate Court handles wills, estate administration, and recorded documents. The court offers an online records search that requires a subscription. This can save you a trip to the courthouse for basic searches.
When obituaries are unavailable, probate records often list family members and heirs. These files can fill gaps in your research.
| Address | 714 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 464-8204, (205) 464-8252 |
| probatedept@tuscco.com | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | tuscco.com |
| Records Search | Online Records (subscription) |
The Probate Judge has marriage and probate records from 1823. For death records before 1908, consult county probate courts. Under Alabama Code Section 12-13-1, probate courts maintain jurisdiction over estate matters.
Tuscaloosa County Newspapers
Two newspapers serve Tuscaloosa County and publish obituaries:
The Tuscaloosa News
This is the main daily newspaper serving Tuscaloosa County. It publishes obituaries in print and online. Current obituaries appear on Legacy.com.
Tuscaloosa Thread
The Tuscaloosa Thread accepts free obituary submissions at tuscaloosathread.com. This is a newer digital publication that covers local news and obituaries.
Echovita.com also aggregates Tuscaloosa obituaries from multiple sources. This can be useful for finding death notices that may not appear on Legacy.com.
Tuscaloosa Public Library
The Tuscaloosa Public Library holds a repository of older death records and obituaries. This is an excellent resource for historical family history research in Tuscaloosa County.
Library staff can help you access their collections and may know of additional local resources. Many libraries also provide free access to genealogy databases like Ancestry Library Edition.
Tuscaloosa County Funeral Homes
Several funeral homes serve Tuscaloosa County residents. Major funeral homes include:
- Tuscaloosa Memorial Park and Chapel - Website: tuscaloosamemorial.com
- Rainey Mortuary Service LLC - 4807 20th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 - Phone: (205) 758-1300 - Website: raineymortuary.com
- Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home - serves Tuscaloosa area
- Rollins' Mortuary, Inc. - serves Tuscaloosa area
Most funeral homes post obituaries on their websites. Check their sites first if you know which funeral home handled services. They often maintain archives going back several years.
How to Search Tuscaloosa County Obituaries
For recent obituaries, start with Legacy.com. Search by name and filter by Tuscaloosa to find local death notices. The Tuscaloosa News obituaries appear there.
The probate court online records search requires a subscription but provides access to estate-related documents. This can help when obituaries are unavailable.
FamilySearch has free Alabama Probate Records that include Tuscaloosa County materials. Create a free account to search and download digitized records.
Echovita.com aggregates Tuscaloosa obituaries from multiple sources. This can catch obituaries that do not appear on Legacy.com.
The Tuscaloosa Thread accepts free obituary submissions. Check their website for recent deaths that may not appear in paid newspaper obituaries.
Find a Grave lists burial records for Tuscaloosa County cemeteries. Use burial information to narrow newspaper searches.
Under the Alabama Open Records Act and Alabama Code Section 22-9A-21, death records become public 25 years after the date of death. Birth record restrictions expire 125 years from the date of birth. The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for death certificate copies.
Cities in Tuscaloosa County
Tuscaloosa County contains the city of Tuscaloosa, home to the University of Alabama. Residents use Tuscaloosa County resources for obituary research.
Nearby Counties
Tuscaloosa County borders several other Alabama counties. Obituaries may have appeared in newspapers from neighboring areas.
Start Your Search
Use the search tool below to find obituary records in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.