Steve "Hap" Mahaffey

A Memorial Service-Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, January 13, 2022, 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Childersburg with Rev. John Beck officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM prior to the services at the church.

Hap was a true son of Childersburg, Alabama. As a young boy, he and his brother shared a paper route and cut grass for their church and many neighbors. The friendships he made, even in his youth, became lifelong. He is often remembered as a young man who was both a prankster and a reliable friend, two attributes that never left him. He was baptized in First Baptist Church of Childersburg at 9 years old on April 4, 1963. He graduated from Childersburg High School in 1971 and attended the University of Alabama.

Hap’s early career was in banking. He met his wife, then Candy Walton, when she worked for First National Bank in Childersburg and he worked for the Coosa Pines Credit Union in the summer of 1978. By Thanksgiving, they decided to marry. Candy had started her first year as an educator, and so they married a month later during the winter break on December 22nd. A true Alabama football fan, they ended their honeymoon with friends at the Sugar Bowl. (Alabama defeated Penn State to win the national championship.)

Shortly after, Hap began what would become his lifelong career in governmental affairs, representing and advocating for a range of organizations. However, he spent the majority of his career working for Central Alabama Community College and advocating for work he cared deeply about, higher education in two-year colleges across the state of Alabama.

Hap and Candy had two children, a daughter, Stevi, and son, Jere. Many of Hap’s fondest memories were with his family and friends on the lake during summers, at Alabama football games in fall, and countless other wonderful times in between. He was his happiest when helping others have a good time, and he loved making traditions of doing so.

Helping others was perhaps one of Hap’s greatest gifts. He took pride in being a trusted friend and advocate, especially for the people and causes he cared for most. He served as a deacon of First Baptist Church of Childersburg for many years. He served upon and chaired the Childersburg Water and Gas Board. Even after retiring at the age of 65, Hap spent much of his time advising and assisting many. It brought him great joy.

In his final years, Hap spent much of his time sitting in his garage waving to neighbors, chatting with friends, listening to gospel music, loving his dog, and sharing many laughs. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband and father, a loyal and steadfast friend, and a man true to his faith and values.

Hap is survived by his wife, Candy Mahaffey; Daughter, Stevi Mahaffey; Son, Jere Mahaffey (Jesse J. Brooks); Mother, Olene Mahaffey; Brother, David Mahaffey; Sister, Colleen Maxwell.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Steve (Hap) Mahaffey Scholarship CACC. Checks should be made payable to Central Alabama Community College and mailed to 1675 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010, to the attention of Lisa Sawyer. The memo line should include "Steve Mahaffey Scholarship Fund".