Billy Nelson Livingston

A visitation for Billy will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Collier-Butler Funeral Home, 824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901, followed by a celebration of life and remembrance at 11:00 AM with Chaplain Tommy Hughes officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Billy's memory may be made to Whorton Bend Volunteer Fire Department, 2589 Whorton Bend Road, Gadsden, Alabama 35901.

For family and friends who are unable to be present, the service will also be livestreamed at www.collier-butler.com Following the service, please join the family at the Whorton Bend Community Center for a luncheon and reception honoring Billy’s life.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Scot Curry, Lance Watkins, Randy Watkins, Dale Robertson, Russell Cleveland, Jeff Prince and Rickey Shaw.

Billy was the elder of two boys born to Melvin and Jeppy Livingston. He graduated from Emma Sansom High School in 1963 where he enjoyed his time playing trumpet in the marching band. In 1964, he married the love of his life, Stephanie Lawder Livingston. They were happily married almost 48 years, until her untimely death in 2010. Billy and Stephanie had one daughter Kim in 1965 whom they loved and provided an amazing life. Shortly after Kim was born, Billy began his career with Gulf State Steel and remained 35 years until the plant closed. One job was not enough for Billy, so while working at the steel plant, he studied at the technical school which led to his founding Livingston Heating and Cooling in 1972. He grew from a single man shop to a thriving business where he achieved many sales awards from suppliers. He was especially proud to repeatedly obtain the Top Gun award from Alabama Power. As he retired, he sold the business to employees Dale and Paula Robertson. He also enjoyed his time serving on the Board at Etowah Steel Credit Union (Winsouth) and participating in leadership roles with heating and cooling professional organizations in Alabama. He had been a member of Mt. Carmel and Meadowbrook Baptist churches in Gadsden.

Billy pursued many hobbies in his life including piloting small planes, camping, photography, golf, cooking, gardening, travel, woodworking, cheering for Auburn and caring for stray animals. He was a devoted husband to Stephanie as well as awesome Dad to Kim and many four-legged pets, but especially Stormie. He was engaging and known for a great sense of humor that drew from the crazy and absurd happenings in life.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents Melvin Nelson and Jeppy Lee Livingston, his wife Stephanie Sue Lawder Livingston and four-legged family members Stormie, Shorty, Blackie, JJ, Rosie and Flipper.

He is survived by his daughter Kim Livingston Stewart and fiance’ Scot Curry, brother Jonathan Livingston (Cel), sister-in-law Cindy Lawder Adams and brother-in-law Mitchell Lawder. Billy will also be missed by many dear cousins, nieces and nephews and adopted granddaughter Abbie Neely, goddaughter Lexi Hunter, dear friends Becky Watkins, Johelen Short, Frances Phillips, Dale and Paula Robertson, Rickey and Marie Shaw and granddogs Annie, Lil’ D and Redi.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Whorton Bend Community Fire Department who have supported us many times over the years. The professionalism and kindness extended to Dad as his health declined was a blessing. We are grateful to the countless healthcare workers who touched our lives the last few years. We extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Dallas Wilcox, Dr. Buck and the entire staff of Doctors Care, Missy Williams and staff of Enhabit Home Health and Greg Simpson, Nurse Practitioner, as well as previous nurses, PT and home care with Kindred. Special thanks to Floyd Medical Center ER, 3rd, 4thand 6th floor care teams, the Palliative care group and the amazing staff in the ICU. Also, we are incredibly grateful for the care, humor and love that the entire staff at Cherokee County Healthcare and Rehab Center in Centre, AL provided Dad during his multiple stays. The help provided by special friends Angie Roden Ramey, Richie Short Couch, Amanda and Abbie Neely, Lisa Bond, Dale and Paula Robertson, cousins, Ellen Smith and Barbara Griffin Matthews are treasured more than they know. Also, we are so grateful for the kindness of special neighbors Alice Hunter and Chris and Misty Winter.

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