Joe "Steve" Stephen Kimbrough

He was born on December 5, 1951 to Joe Thurman and Rumell (Dobbs) Kimbrough in Birmingham, AL. He had one older brother, Glenn.

Music was his first passion as a tuba player in the marching band at Woodlawn High School. Then, he joined a Gospel band, The Joymasters, that led him all the way to the Ryman Auditorium.

Steve lived a life being all in for those around him. His bandmates knew they could call Steve any time, and he would listen to the set list changes or more personal matters. They also learned to keep an eye on him. Steve's piano could deliver a well-timed cue to move on from talking about a song to a Spirit-filled "Old Rugged Cross." He was as much all in for his bandmates as not keeping an audience longer than necessary.

Family became Steve's biggest passion with the birth of his son, Joe Kimbrough II. Plus, he coached baseball and basketball teams. Steve, even, tried to teach his boy penmanship, but some lessons stuck more than others. At home, Steve saw what needed to be done and dove into it.

Steve left the band for work in Cath Labs. His colleagues in the Lab learned the same thing as his bandmates. They could count on Steve to get the job done with great care. He brought an ability to keep the place just heavy enough with a quiet joke without loss of gravity for the moment. He wouldn't let people think too hard, so they could do what they knew how to do. They could trust him to take care of them and the patient.

From the Cath Lab, Steve moved to building homes after selling real estate. There, he met his wife, Marsha, and he built them a home in Gardendale. Together, they succeeded at growing a reputation for great construction and taking care of those they could. They were each other’s companion for all life’s ups and downs.

Though, no title fit Steve like Grandfather, or Pops as Lynn and Ruth knew him. He was as quick to change a diaper as dance around the room. One of Steve's favorites was the water table. He'd show Lynn how to run water through all the attachments before both of them were soaked from splashing each other.

Steve's spare time was about Alabama football. He went to games early on with his dad, who worked at Legion Field. Then, during the mid-70s and beyond with special friends, Dr. Philip August and Ricky Pennington. These Brothers in Crimson & White traveled all over the Southeast together, and their party only became more fun when their families came along for the ride. Gamedays will never be the same for Marsha, Joe, Joe's wife Jessica, Lynn, Ruth, Dr. Phil, and Ricky.

He is preceded in death by Joe Thurman Kimbrough (his dad), Rumell Dobbs Kimbrough (his mom), Brother Glenn, and his Uncle Athel.

Steve is survived by his wife Marsha, son, Joe S Kimbrough II (Jessica), two beautiful granddaughters: Lynn & Ruth, Nieces: Stacy England, Becky Shake & Jenny Dobbs and a host of special friends and extended family.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Joe Stephen (Steve) Kimbrough on Sunday, November 7, 2021 between 3 & 5 pm at Gardendale Ridout’s in the Fireside Room.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Kimbrough family.