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Former two-term Opp mayor Hinton Durwood “H.D.” Edgar passed away Sunday, March 9, at the age of 83.

A business owner and public servant for the City of Opp, Edgar served as mayor from 2004 to 2012; however, his history of serving the city began many years before becoming mayor. He volunteered as a firefighter and served on various local and regional boards, including 12 years as a member of the Opp City Board of Education.

Edgar was born to Arthur Casey and Ida Mae Edgar in 1941 and was a 1959 graduate of Opp High School. After living in multiple cities for a few years, Edgar returned to his hometown and began a career as a truck driver. In the early 1970s, he started his own company, H.D. Edgar Trucking Company, which he continued to be involved in, alongside his wife, Martha Edgar, up until his death.

Martha said her husband had a deep love for Opp and its people.

“He always wanted to help people in any way he could. He would do anything he could to help somebody in need. He was a friend to everyone. Opp has lost a very valuable man because of his love for people,” Martha said.

Current Opp Mayor Becky Bracke said Edgar’s kindness is remembered by many in the community.

“I have heard countless stories of how Durwood helped the people in our community,” Bracke said. “An elderly woman told me how Durwood came to her home when she called on a holiday to fix a broken pipe so she would have water. Another told me about how her car had broken down at night and he picked her up and took her home. He helped our community in so many ways.”

As a member of the board of education, Edgar was instrumental in acquiring funding for building improvements and, as mayor, a new Opp Elementary School was constructed. He also worked with other officials in the county to secure funding to expand the South Alabama Regional Airport.

Another of Edgar’s lasting accomplishments as mayor was bringing the Rattlesnake Rodeo back to Opp.

“He said if he became mayor he would bring the Rodeo back to Opp. He was proud to bring it back and to see it grow,” Martha said.

Longtime friend Doris Wismer said that while Edgar accomplished many things as mayor, it is the unknown acts of kindness that made him a beloved figure within the Opp community.

“He performed many unseen and unknown deeds. No plea for help has ever gone unanswered and it was always done without expecting anything in return. He did whatever it took to get a job done. He was a man among men,” Wismer said.

It was also common for Edgar to use his business to help others.

“He made his trucks available for what I call ‘mercy missions’,” said retired District Judge Trippy McGuire. “He transported supplies, water, ice and other needed items to victims of disasters in locations far and near, free of charge, at great expense to himself.”

For his many accomplishments, Edgar was inducted into the Opp Hall of Fame in 2021.

Along with his wife, Martha, he is survived by six children. For Edgar’s full obituary and service times, click here.