Steven Goodwin Vaughn

Steven Goodwin Vaughn, 61, was born October 12, 1959, the oldest child of Jake Ronald Vaughn and Margaret “Peggy” Newell Goodwin Vaughn of Indian Springs Village, Ala. He passed away peacefully on May 22, surrounded by his family.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his three sisters — Meg (Doug) Swain, Valerie Vaughn and Vickie (Buzz) Cason. He was a devoted big brother and fiercely protective of his sisters.

He leaves behind three children, Laura, Hunter and Maggie, and one son-in-law, Dane — all of whom he loved dearly although he never called them by their given names. He was famous for giving people he liked nicknames – which may or may not have made sense. He was incredibly proud of his children and loved their mother, Elizabeth.

He was known for his sense of humor and had a gift for never meeting a stranger. He was a character with a true zest for life.

In his later years, he rebranded himself as “Pops.” He considered his grandchildren, Ella James (age 5) and Reed (age 2), to be the best things Laura and Hunter ever did for him. Ella James — or “Schnitzel” as he more commonly referred to her — was the light of his life. They shared a special bond and were two overly articulate peas in a pod.

He was an avid golfer, enjoyed hunting and collecting Truck Trader magazines and phone books (a family inside joke). He was happiest when surrounded by his family on Smith Lake.

He was a born-again Christian and was baptized at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church on April 2, 1972. He was a loyal friend and leaves behind too many wonderful friends and cousins to list — for fear of missing someone.

Thanks to the many, many people who prayed for him throughout his journey with diabetes and cardiac complications, including Dawson’s Agape Life Group, Pastor David Eldridge and Pastor Tommy Sanders. His family also extends a heartfelt thank you to all the medical professionals and staff at Grandview Hospital for the extraordinary kindness and care they showed him.

In lieu of flowers, his children request donations be made to ALR SoberLife or Dawson's Missions Program. Addiction recovery was a cause close to his heart.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 27 with visitation at 10 a.m. at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church.