To the family:  Sad news.  Bill proved to be a good friend and one of the "good guys" of Alabama politics/history throughout his life.  I treasured his counsel and manner from the first time we met in Montgomery forty years ago.  We all will miss him.

Admired Billy in high school, he stood out as a leader of our class. I think everybody liked  Billy.  I was very impressed with his scholarship  to Harvard Law,his intellect  and his potential.  Always expected to see him again someday. my sincere condolence to those close to him since 1965.

All my thoughts and prayers are with the family.  Mr. Stephens was a friend
and a gentleman.

Dear Carline,
Joyce just read of Bill's death this afternoon and called to tell me.  We are both so very, very sorry to learn of his passing.  Joyce and I were going through some of mother's papers a few weeks ago and found several newspaper articles that she had saved about Bill, including the one in Parade magazine about the Friendly Supper Club.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Was so sorry to hear of Bill's death.  He was always a good friend in high school and enjoyed talking to him several times afterword.  My sympathy to all his family.
Betty (Huth) Schonrock

Carline, I am so sorry to hear of Bill's death.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Much love to all.

Dear Family,

It was a privilege and blessing to call Bill Stephens
my friend for more than thirty years. So good to meet and speak with you all. May happy memories help to comfort you during this most difficult of times. Lisa

We at the American Village give thanks to God for the life, service, and example of Bill Stephens, long-time board member and dear friend.  

Bill spent his life's work in service to others.  He epitomized the ideal of a dedicated public servant.  However, in losing Bill we have lost so much more than that.  

Bill was blessed with a great intellect and he had the highest personal integrity.  He possessed a quiet modest demeanor, was a discerning listener and yet he was a fiercely passionate champion for causes in which he believed.  He possessed a simple and honest strength that could get to the important things quickly.  He wasn't one to talk at length -- but what he said he meant.  What he said and did counted and mattered.

Bill was generous in his loyalty, spirit and in heart.  The many places where he invested his intellect, passion, and heart all share keenly a kindred sense of loss.

I join Bill's many friends and colleagues in mourning the passing of this good man and honorable public servant.

May all of us who mourn Bill's passing be uplifted by the gracious loving-kindness of our Heavenly Father. May we give thanks to the Father for the life of our friend Bill, comforted by God's loving promise: "Behold, I make all things new."

OBITUARY

William Taft Stephens

December 3, 1943 – December 9, 2013

White Chapel-Greenwood Funeral Home & Greenwood Serenity Memorial Gardens

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