Shotgun Giddens

Robert Hugh "Shotgun" Giddens (born August 6, 1938 in Oldfield , Talladega County; died March 24, 2021 in Birmingham) was a barber, circuit court clerk and gospel singer.

Giddens was the son of Cecil Wiley and Una Vista Hickman Giddens. He was born in the Oldfield community outside of Sylacauga, but the family relocated to Millerville in Clay County when he was 4. He earned his nickname a year later when he boastfully stole credit for killing two hogs at his parents' farm, telling two older boys that he, "shot ‘em with a shotgun."

Giddens spent most of his life in Ashland, Clay County where he operated a barber shop and served from 1976 to 1995 as a clerk for the Clay County Circuit Court. During his time in office he served a term as president of the Alabama Circuit Clerks Association and also served as a director of the National Association of Court Administrators.

Giddens was also known for singing tenor with The Ideals and a variety of other gospel quartets and trios. His signature song was "Beulah Land" which he was often requested to sing at funerals. He also served as an interim choir director at First Baptist Church of Ashland.

Giddens married the former Linda Upchurch in August 1966 and had three children. He died at Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham in 2021 and was survived by his wife, two daughters, six of his seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

References

• Rochester, Linda (2017) "Southern Character: Robert “Shotgun” Giddens Puts People First" Okra magazine
• "Robert Hugh "Shotgun" Giddens." (March 30, 2021) The Daily Home