Stephen Terry Biggers III

Stephen Terry Biggers III, age 93, of Gardendale, Alabama passed away peacefully at his home after a battle with cancer on Friday, September 3, 2021. Steve was born in Atlanta Georgia, January 10, 1928.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife Emma Ruth Cherry Biggers; father, Stephen T. Biggers, Jr., and mother, Clairette Rogers Biggers. His grandfather, Dr. Stephen Terry Biggers was appointed physician of Fulton County Bellwood Prison. Great grandfather Stephen Terry Biggers, Sr., was one of the pioneer citizens of Atlanta when he settled in 1843 when it was known as Marthasville. He was one of the first Mayors of Marthasville, was also a member of the Atlanta City Council during the years,1850, 1876 and 1877.

In Steve's younger years he was in Lester Maddox's wedding, who later became Governor of Georgia. He also played violin in the Atlanta Youth Symphony, which evolved into the Atlanta Symphony. In 1939 he was fortunate to stand outside the Loew's Grand for the premiere of Gone with the Wind.

Steve graduated from an all boys school, Tech High School in 1946 and then immediately enrolled in Georgia Tech. While attending college he met the love of his life Emma Ruth. After graduating they would be married for 71 years.

After the Korean War broke out in 1950 he was called to active duty with the US Air Force, 116th Fighter Bomber Wing. While stationed at Misawa Air Base Japan he served as a Staff Sergeant and would be honorably discharged.

When returning to Atlanta he was hired by National Gypsum Company and retired after 33 years of service. Retirement would begin a new journey in Panama City Beach, Florida. He and Ruth were long time members of Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder.

Steve loved Formula 1 racing and didn't miss many trips to Sebring or the Indianapolis 500. They spent long weekends with the Camel folks, "Boat People" at a Kentucky lake on house boats. For 30+ years they spent every May and October with their southern life long friends at Vogle State Park in the Georgia Mountains.

Over the years he lived in Atlanta, Montgomery, New Orleans, Birmingham, Carmel Indiana, Panama City Beach and finally Gardendale, Alabama.

Steve is survived by his children, Teresa "Terry" Smith (Randy) of Hayden, AL, Stephen T. Biggers, IV (Linda) of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren, Courtney Biggers Hertel (Tim), Lindsay Biggers (Jay), Melissa Smith Starling (Andy), Stephanie Biggers (Joe), Jessica Harbison (Matt); great grandchildren, Thomas Hertel, Clark Starling, William Starling, Rivers Harbison, and Micah-Smith Harbison, as well as a close childhood friend, Alexander Hamilton Stephens.

He would say his life was made up of a lot of fortunate circumstances.

We are grateful for the loving care of Hope Hospice, especially Kristine, Takia and UAB Thomas.

A private service will be held at Crest Lawn Memorial Park, Atlanta, Georgia.

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