James D. Steward

A celebration of life service will be held Friday, November 23, 2012, at White Springs Baptist Church at 12 noon with Rev. Vince Whittington and special friend, Rev. Mike Peschl from Belington, West Virginia. Burial will follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens.

He was saved and Baptized while attending First Baptist Church, Rainbow City, at the age of 17. He served in the U.S. Navy and retired as Commander at Gadsden Fire Department in 2008. He was a member of Gadsden Masonic Lodge 236 and Gadsden Fire Department local 454. His passion was spending time with his two grandsons.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Diane Ramsey Steward and sons, James Frank Steward and his wife, Suzy McDuffie Steward, and Jeremy Brian Steward, and his wife, Jamie Silvey Steward. Grandsons, Jackson Brian Steward and Jayden Cole Steward. Parents, mother Louise Pendergrass, father James O. Steward, step-father, Jim Pendergrass, and his late step-mother, Mildred Steward. Sisters, Sarah S. Clark, Kim Pendergrass, and Jan Pendergrass. Brothers, Gary Steward and Tommy Slaton.

The family would like to thank UAB doctors and nurses and Amedysis Hospice for the care given to him during his illness. Thanks also for the prayers and support from our church family.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to UAB Liver Transplant Team at UAB, 619 19th Street S. Birmingham, Alabama, 35249-6510.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until time of service at White Springs Baptist Church.

Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the Steward family.

Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com