He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Etheridge, and his grandparents Bill & Willie Grace Stewart and Joe & Eunice Etheridge. He is survived by his mother, Linda Etheridge; his brother, Jonathan Etheridge; his aunts & uncles, William Stewart (Robin), Mike Stewart (Joni), Rick Stewart (Jeanine), Betty Nonnemacher, Peggy Mayers (Lance), Joseph Etheridge (Vickie), and many cousins.
A celebration of life service will be held at Redemption Church’s Saraland Campus on Friday, November 1st with visitation beginning at 12:00 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm officiated by Pastor Wes Hall. Interment will follow the service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Saraland. Stephen’s best friend, Jonathan Verdugo, will serve as a pallbearer along with Will Stewart, Tyler Stewart, Will Keeney, Tanner Tolbert, Ethan Tolbert, and Michael Gaddy.
Stephen was born on May 21st, 1986 and grew up in Chickasaw, Alabama and later Satsuma. He graduated from Satsuma High School in 2004 and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of South Alabama. He had an easy-going demeanor at the intersection of strength and gentleness. He was generous, hospitable, and the kind of friend you would love to have. He had a unique wit and was a joy to be around. He was grill master, a big football fan – especially for his favorite team, the Alabama Crimson Tide. Stephen had many hobbies, but ultimately, he was the kind of guy that could enjoy any hobby as long as his friends and family were there and having a good time with him.
Stephen loved his career working as a Senior Software Developer for Pilot Catastrophe Services in Mobile, Alabama. He had a special bond with his colleagues, employees, and managers and he was joyful for his work family.
He was a member of Redemption Church and a child of God. Stephen had a great faith his salvation as evidenced by his words, demeanor, and gentle spirit.
We, Stephen’s family, would like to express our gratitude for all prayers, visits, and support received from his friends and family members. We would also like to thank everyone at Pilot Catastrophe Services for their generosity to him during his illness as well as his church family at Redemption Church and Celebration Church.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:3-9
Stephen-
We love you and hold fast to the promise that we will see you again.
Love,
Mom & Jonathan