Stephen Thompson

Stephen Allen Thompson, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Pinson, Alabama, on Friday, September 5th, after a long illness. His loving wife and devoted caregiver Emily was at his bedside.

Steve was born in Birmingham, Alabama on February 16, 1947, to Deliah and Otis Thompson. He is survived by two younger sisters, Teresa and Kathy, who reside in Texas. Steve grew up in Brighton. He attended John Carroll High School and, for his senior year, Fairfield High School where he graduated in 1966. 

Steve enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966 and served four years on active duty. In 1970 he transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve unit in Bessemer, the 4th Battalion 14th Marines, where he served for 20 years, retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant.

Steve pursued a career in law enforcement and served with the Birmingham Police Department for twenty years. After retirement from Birmingham, he served with the United States Marshals Service for 14 years.

Steve married the love of his life Emily Langford Ridgeway on March 29, 1991. The only thing that ever came between them were the many cats and dogs he and Em rescued and raised!

Steve was a life member of the Howlin’ Mad Smith Detachment of the Marine Corps League and served on their Iwo Jima Reenactment team for many years. He was also an avid civil war reenactor and a member of the Caledonian Society.

Visitation will be from five to seven p.m. on Tuesday, September 9th at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, 1591 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham, AL 35235. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 10th at Highland Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Bessemer, 3115 18th Avenue, Bessemer, AL 35020.