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Stephen Temple Obituary
On-site cremation provided by Morgan Funeral Chapel and Crematory.
After battling a terminal illness for a year and a half, on March 12, 2014, Steve Temple passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife, Cynthia, at his side. Steve was a man of faith, devoted to community service, always encouraging, supportive and optimistic. He had a successful career as an artist before returning to his hometown to direct the Gadsden Museum of Art (GMA) where he fervently worked for 10 years before retiring in 2013. He was a friend to many, and his presence will be sorely missed. A marker will be placed in his honor at Forrest Cemetery. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mildred Temple.
Survivors: wife, Cynthia Temple; parents-in-law, Don and Judy McGinnis; sons, Adam "Stephen" and Zachary Temple; brothers, Floyd Temple, Tim (Penni) Temple, Charlie (Brenda) Owens, Billy (Debra) Owens; sister, Melanie (Tim) Carter.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Stephen Temple Foundation, a charity supporting local artists, are welcome. Send to P.O. Box 895, Gadsden, AL 35902.
Special thanks to Dr. Ashvini Sengar, Dr. Webb Sledge, the home health teams of Alacare and Amedisys, GMA Crew and to the citizens of Gadsden who have appreciated and will benefit for years to come from the tireless efforts of this special man.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Temple
6 Entries
Regina Kiska
August 31, 2018
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of artist Steve Temple. In September 1970, I was in Provincetown, Massachusetts, an artist's colony in Cape Cod, and was in search of an artist to do a charcoal portrait of me, which was to be given to my mom as a birthday gift. Luckily, the artist I selected was Mr. Temple and I was delighted with the portrait. I remember afterwards he asked how old I was, and I replied 19. Then he said, Well, this is you at 19. When my mom passed away about 20 years ago, I stashed away the portrait, and only the other day came across it again. It is currently in the shop where I chose a stunning new frame for it, and I can't wait to display it in my own home. My hope was to let Mr. Temple know personally how much my portrait was treasured over the years - my mom loved it - and it is now getting a beautiful new frame to give it a new life although, in the portrait, I'll always remain 19.
My best wishes to his family, Regina
March 16, 2014
Steve was a good friend and wonderful neighbor here in Issaquah, WA. where he lived across the street from us. His son Zack was born here. We missed you since you moved back home & will miss you even more now that you have left this world. We are so glad that Steve & Zack were able to come back & visit us a few years ago. Steve was the most talented artist I've ever known and we are proud to have several of his prints. Keep creating Steve !!!
Lee Howington
March 16, 2014
Steve was a great support and friend to me during my five years as Director of Gadsden Public Library. It was always an inspiration to be in his presence. He was never without a smile. What a gift to all was his life on this earth.
Linda McLendon
March 15, 2014
Will be remembering you and the rest of the family in the difficult days ahead.
KATHY ODEN
March 15, 2014
STEVE , I ONLY METT YOU ONCE, BUT I COULD TELL YOU WERE A GREAT MAN & I COULD SEE THE DEEP LOVE YOU HAD FOR CYNTHYIA. EVERYTIME I SEE A RAINBOW IN THE SKY , I WILL THINK OF YOU BECAUSE YOU PROABLY PAINTED IT. REST IN PEACE.
Alice Hughes
March 15, 2014
Some years back, I arrived for a Gadsden visit to learn I had an appointment with Steve Temple. "Who is that?" I asked Luverna Waid. "You'll see," she answered. I hurried to town and into Steve's office. He looked at me, wondering what I wanted. I looked at him, feeling the same. We both began to laugh. It was Miz Waid who engineered this meeting, thus a friendship was begun, based on Gadsden history.
As I left that day, I saw an enlarged photograph (almost life-sized) and commented I had a similar photo of my mother, Bernice Wright Hill, made by the Sidewalk Photographer (1940s). Steve said the picture before us was his mother. So began the sidewalk project on Broad Street. Oh, it was wonderful to see my mother rounding that downtown corner and Mr. Williams ambling down the sidewalk, whistling as he walked. And all the others. Thank you, Steve!
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