Bill St. John

William Carl St. John was born and raised in Gadsden, AL. He attended Auburn University, but left to serve in the Air Force for four years. Upon completion of service, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics/Computer Science from UAB. He met the love of his life on a blind date with his sister and brother-in-law. Soon after, he married Elaine Brunson of Pensacola, FL, and they moved to Birmingham, AL to begin a life together. They were blessed with two children, Michelle and Jon.

Bill was to experience tragedy, losing 22-month-old Jon in a choking accident and then 42-year-old Elaine seven years later during heart surgery. Although left alone with a teenage daughter to raise, he handled fatherhood magnificently. Michelle grew up, got married, and had her own son, but Bill remained her closest confidant and advisor. His pride and joy was his four-year-old grandson, Yoni, who affectionately refers to him as, “Gaddy.”

Bill had a lengthy career at Jefferson State Community College, first as a computer programmer, then as a mathematics instructor. Teaching was his gift, and he enjoyed it so much, he refused to retire! He even continued working while twice fighting (and beating) cancer, first kidney cancer then prostate cancer. This past year, however, teaching was becoming more and more difficult due to a heart problem. He was scheduled to have his aorta valve replaced later this month.

Bill’s greatest asset was his attitude: he was positive no matter the circumstance. He rarely took a sick day because he never admitted to sickness, claiming he was occasionally “symptomatic.” Everyone who encountered him felt happier afterwards. He truly enjoyed listening to people, and he had a talent for making a person feel worthy. Modeling a true servant’s heart, Bill always put others’ needs before his. And he did so with a smile and a chuckle. Naturally, he has served as a Sunday School Teacher, a Stephen Minister, and a Deacon at Dawson Family of Faith.

Another of Bill’s interests was music. He played trumpet in his high school band until he had his appendix out and had to switch to drums. Also in high school, Bill joined the Glee Club, where he discovered he could actually sing! He auditioned and was accepted into the Velvetones. While at Auburn, he sang in the prestigious Auburn University Choir. He was in several choral groups in Birmingham, including Colla Voce, Over the Mountain Festivals, Dawson Singers, and the Sanctuary Choir at Dawson Family of Faith. Surely, he is now singing bass and tapping his feet in the Heavenly Choir.

William C. St. John of Gardendale passed away November 6, 2014 at the age of 77. Visitation is Sunday 6-8 p.m. at Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood. The funeral service is Monday 10 a.m. at Dawson Family of Faith. Bill loved music and charitable giving. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to the Dawson Music Academy, 1114 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209