Carl James Stedham

Carl was born on March 9, 1948 in Gadsden, AL to the late Amos I Stedham, Sr and Georgia Kathleen Thrasher Stedham. He graduated in 1966 from Emma Sansom High School. He attended Jacksonville State University, University of Berkeley, and Tampa University. He served in the US Air Force for 6 years and 4 years in the Alabama Air National Guard. He served in Vietnam from 1969-1970. He retired from RGIS Inventory Service in 2007 after 36 years of service. At retirement, he was Vice President of the Southeast Division.

Carl loved being with his family and friends. He also enjoyed Alabama football and golf. His favorite activity was Bible study with JP and Frances Lipscomb. He was a member of First Baptist Church Ashville and was ordained as a deacon on January 03, 2021. He started a ministry for his church to assist veterans, not only in his church family but reaching out to several counties in Alabama and other states. He assisted veterans and their widows to apply for benefits they may deserve. When a veteran would call and advise they had received VA compensation for issues related to their service to their country, he would smile and tell them, "You deserve this for defending your country." The Veterans Ministry gave him more joy and satisfaction than any other goals or accomplishments he made during his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Amos I Stedham, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Brenda Cornutt Stedham; sisters, Kathy (Chuck) Stedham Isbill, Brenda Stedham Sprayberry; sister in law, Susan Stedham; niece, Christy (Ronnie) Linginfelter; nephews, Tripp (Rachel) Stedham, Dr. K Clay (Cathy) Ellis, L Jaye (Nichole) Ellis; great nieces, Brittany (Zack) Ellison, Payton (Jake Grogan-fiance) Linginfelter,Sadie Marie, and Ana Grace Stedham, Dr. Cynthia (Dr. Mark) Hill, Dr. Catherine (Dr. Bryant) Haynie, Dr. Cantrell (Jared) Lowe, Alyssa and Katlyne Grace Ellis; great nephew, Colten Jaye Ellis; 10 great great nieces and nephews; goddaughter, Kristen (Andrew) Morrison; godsons, Kyle Largin, Alex and Jonathan Lusco; special friends Rhonda and Michael Lusco, Kelley and Butch Largin.

Pallbearers will be Butch Largin, Jonathan Lusco, Alex Lusco, Kyle Largin, Tripp Stedham, Dr. Mark Hill, Dr. Bryant Haynie, and Jared Lowe.

Honorary pallbearers will be all veterans that Carl has assisted.

The family would like to express special gratitude to Dr. Godby, Dr. Gosta, and Dr. Ye as well as the VA. Also special thanks to Amedysis Hospice Care specialist, Tyler, Brittany, and Felicia.

The family will accept flowers or memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church Ashville Building Fund, PO Box 579, Ashville, AL 35953

A visitation will be held Friday, September 29, 2023 from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm at Collier Butler Funeral Home with service at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens with military honors in Gadsden, AL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Stedham family.