Gary Sheffield

Sheffield was remembered by coaching peers and former players as a man with a sense of humor and a knack for motivating teenagers.

"He had a great sense of humor and many one liners," said Scott Langley, who played basketball for Sheffield from 1979-80.

During his coaching tenure, Sheffield coached football and basketball, baseball and golf at Vestavia Hills and Louis Pizitz Middle School. He also worked as an official in local youth and rec leagues.

"He was part of the Vestavia family," said longtime Rebels football coach Buddy Anderson, who in 1980 won a Class 4A state championship. During that season, Sheffield served as the freshman football coach at Vestavia Hills.

"We’ll miss his sense of humor," Anderson continued, “his loyalty to all the different programs at the school."

Recently-retired George Hatchett said in about the 1981-82 season, he followed Sheffield's tenure as Vestavia Hills boys basketball coach. The two men also coached together at Louis Pizitz Middle School. At the high school, Hatchett often heard the jokes that Sheffield shared with students during driver education class.

"They would always come in with some of the jokes he's shared with them," Hatchett said. "He'd occasionally come into my class and share some (more) humor. He did envision himself as a bit of a comedian."

Said Todd Howell, a 1983 Vestavia Hills graduate: "He was a good guy. I think he really enjoyed being around young people. He was a bit of a jokester. I think everyone that played for him will remember his great since of humor."

Visitation will be Tuesday, at 4 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 5 pm at The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation.