James Stephens

James E. Stephens TUSCALOOSA James E. Stephens, age 89, of Tuscaloosa, died Oct. 15, 2012. Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Friday at Grant's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Mike Griffin officiating and Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home South directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at Grant's Creek Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Ruth Stephens, and his father, Will Stephens and his mother, Bessie Tingle. Survivors include his daughter, Shelia Bigham; his grandchildren, Neena Thomas, Mandie McCook (Bill), and Trae McAteer; and his great-grandchildren, Cade Thomas and Drew, Mary Nell, and Hinton McCook. Mr. Stephens was born in Aliceville but lived the majority of his life in Tuscaloosa. He served in the 3704th Army Air Force Base Unit during World War II. He enjoyed tending to his garden, hunting, and fishing. He cherished the time spent with friends and family at one of his famous fish fries. He was a talented harmonica player and often accompanied his beloved wife, Nell, as she played the guitar. He always loved a good joke and making people laugh. He was a great teacher to his daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He took joy in watching them compete and displaying their talents. His family was the light of his life. Pallbearers will be Trae McAteer, Cade Thomas, Bill McCook, Gavin Carpenter, Todd Carpenter, and Macks Wade Adams. Honorary pallbearers are Tara Conville, Jerry and Brenda Carpenter, Bill and Roselyn Hall, Wayne and Cynthia Bridges, Pauline "Pearl"� and David Outlaw and the employees of Adams Place, employees and staff of DCH, and other friends and family.