Gregory Neal Stephens

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday-September 28. 2011 at Collier-Butler Chapel for Mr. Gregory Neal Stephens, age 58 of Gadsden who passed away Monday-September 26, 2011. Rev. Jimmy McCormick will officiate

with burial at Old Harmony Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services will direct.

Gregory was the 6th child of James "Ott" & Sarah Smith Stephens, who both preceded him in death. He grew up in Gadsden AL. and was a graduate of Gadsden High School. At age 19 suffered renal failure and required a kidney transplant. Greg beat the odds and survived the transplant after being given only 5 years to live. He loved music, especially the Beatles, and for a period of time had a band named Nightwing. Greg was very talented and could play guitar, bass guitar, drums, and numerous other instruments. He also loved the beach and enjoyed camping. He worked at AJW in Boaz for 33 years. He made jokes out of everything and was famous for not taking life too seriously, and for encouraging people to always think positively.

He is survived by his daughter; Tassy (Paul) McCormick, grandchildren, Hayden Duke and Hannah McCormick, sisters, Sylvia (Curtis) Renfroe, Linda (Robert) McElroy, Saratha Davis and Dawn (Gene) Moody, brothers, Dale (Linda) Stephens, Mickey (Linda) Stephens and Shawn (Catherine) Stephens. Special Friend, Sharon Alexander, Several Nieces and Nephews.

Pallbearers will be; Henry Foster, Tony Williams, John Autrey, Chad Butler, Robert McElroy and Eric McElroy.

The family extends a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and the Drs, Nurses and Staff at UAB Hospital.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday evening and from 1 p.m. until the hour of serviceWednesdy at the funeral home