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Crestwood Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery - Gadsden

2209 East Broad Street

Gadsden, Alabama

Randy Stephens Obituary

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, at Crestwood Chapel for Randy Stephens, 64, Gadsden, who died Monday, Sept. 3, 2012. The Rev. Bill Harbison will officiate. Entombment will be at Crestwood Mausoleum.
Randy was a 1966 graduate of Gadsden High School and attended the University of Alabama. He was a financial adviser for more than 20 years and is well remembered as the owner of Hasty Sewing Machine Company on Hoke Street.
Several years ago, he was instrumental in bringing the Annual Jam for Duane Concert to Gadsden. He had traveled to concerts from New York to Macon; no distance was too far to see the Allman Brothers. Randy was also an extreme Alabama football fan and had predicted the 15th.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Louise Stephens, and grandparents, Colonel and Mary Hasty.
He is survived by his brother, Bruce Stephens; and many friends from the Buffalo and Chestnut.
Pallbearers will be Joe Cothran, Ray Grigsby, Jimmy Walter, Mark Swann, Bruce Hill and Tommy Hudson.
Honorary pallbearers are Coach Ken Meyer, Arthur Ray Shaw and the staff of Harbor Financial Services.
Special thanks to friend Susan Wieman.
"It is what it is."
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the hour of service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gadsden Times on Sep. 6, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Randy Stephens

Not sure what to say?





Travis Posey

September 26, 2012

Randy Stephens was a great friend of mine and probably came to more of my shows than anybody out there. Randy loved the music I played and I loved having him there watching, listening, and cheering. We had hours of conversation on music, the Allman Brothers Band and shared many things in common. I'm gonna miss seeing him at my shows and will miss him daily. He would always drop in to see me play even if it was a just for a few seconds. He loved good music and I was honored to be someone he liked to listen to. I could tell you many stories about our endeavors. One that will always come to mind is myslelf, Randy and Jack Pearson hanging out in Huntsville before Jack took the stage with the Allman Brothers. I could not tell you how many legendary Songwriters and musicians I would not have ever met or played with if it were not for Randy's acquaintance. I could list them, but it would go on forever and most of you would be bored with them, but I'll bet you know their songs on the radio. Randy would also promote me and all the bands I played in, like the Travis Posey Band & The Skydogs. He was also the biggest fan of Albert Simpson & The Lefty Collins Bands. Randy also really enjoyed one of my latests bands "The Dozens". Of course Randy & Brent Sibley were great friends and Randy was a huge part of the Annual Jam For Duane Events. He was a big fan of The Skydogs and loved all the guys in the band like Jimmy Henderson, Brent Sibley, Barry McNair, Brent Irvin, Danny James Hocter Sr.., Doug Jenkins, Andy Baker Frank Marbut, Don Barbee, Stephen McCullough & Steven Butler. Randy knew what good music was, and to be one of many in his list of good musicians meant the world to me.

Danny Amos

September 11, 2012

Randy would let Mark Grissom & I practice music in his home, he had vinal. Randy Took me to see Yes on my 30th birthday. You will never find a better friend.

Janis Adkins England

September 10, 2012

My friend for over 32 years. So sad that you have left us. Your spirit remains in our hearts.

LaDonna Hasty Kinsaul

September 7, 2012

Randy was a kind sweet soul- with a great sense of humor. Even though we had lost contact over the years it does not diminish the love and respect that our family had for him. Some of my fondest memories are of summers spent at Guntervile Lake and road trips with our families. Great times of our youth - a true treasure.

September 7, 2012

Randy will certainly be missed....he was a lover of music and friend..very true friend, most notably to all the musicians in the are and world. God gives and takes in His time....not ours!!

Diane Dodson Hilleke

September 7, 2012

The thoughts and prayers of all Randy's classmates at GHS go out to the family. Everyone who knew him holds fond memories of our times at GHS. Roll Tide Roll, Randy

Mike Phillips

September 7, 2012

Randy-it's been a long time, but I enjoyed our good times and the friendship. God bless.

Donna Johnson Bryan

September 7, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with Randy's family, and I have fond memories of him from GHS.

September 7, 2012

godspeed randy.
renee & miss thang

Billy Vassar

September 7, 2012

Randy we had a lot of great times at GHS. RIP and see you down the road.

Billy Eddins

September 7, 2012

Randy, your words of wisdom and your kindness will be missed.

Ellen Y. Akin

September 6, 2012

Dear Randy,
You have been a great friend since I met you in 1964. When I visited you in ICU on Monday, after laughing and joking a while, you told me that as soon as the doctor could get your blood pressure up a little, he would treat you and everything would be back to normal. Had I or your other friends who were there even suspected that you would not live through the day, I am sure none of us would have left your side. I left when your doctor came in and I promised to come back Tuesday. I was totally shocked and broken hearted when your bed was empty and they told me that you had died.
My son, Michael, thought you were wonderful and loved to talk about music with you and was especially glad that you liked and knew so much about Government Mule. For you to be an Alabama fan, too, made you perfect in his eyes. Please tell Michael we miss him and we will truly miss you.
"Let your soul shine" and, one day, we will meet again.

Regina Callahan

September 6, 2012

God needed another Angel so he picked Randy. Randy-go find Duane, Barry, and Mike Callahan...you know they are continuing the Road goes on forgever...in heaven!

Karen & Lynn Bomberry & Family

September 6, 2012

Words cannot comprehend the loss we all feel. Selfish as it may be, we lost a brother who would do anything for anyone, never an unkind word for his fellow man. We will cherish our memories until we meet again.
Our condolences to all and much love and light.
Peace brother Randy

September 6, 2012

Randy will always be remembered as a true southern gentleman and a friend to so many of us. Rest in Peace Randy Stephens and thank you for ALL you did for your friends and family!

September 6, 2012

We watched races from New Orleans to Los Angeles and a lot in between. Great Communicator, Lost Code & Yacatavario and many more. It was so great to share a great part of my life with you.

Ginger Chesnut-Bearden

September 6, 2012

Randy was a dear person who I will always remember. Going to his shop and him giving me my first sewing machine when I was little. He was also a dear friend to my mother, that I am grateful for. You will be dearly missed.

Marta Getty

September 6, 2012

Your smile and enthusiasm for life remains an inspiration to all of us you have touched with your presence, you are eternally infused into our hearts. RIP Randy!

Laraine Potter

September 6, 2012

Randy's words in a message to me at a difficult time in my life gave me hope and comfort, and I will never forget them. Greg and I will miss you Randy; may you rest in peace.

Gary-PeachNuTT Seaman

September 6, 2012

Randy, It was really great meeting you in Macon a long time ago, as well as reading your always insightful and sensitive commentary on the ABB website. Your posts always found the sweet spot and they Hit The Note. By your deeds, to so many of us, you were the true Duane Allman / Allman Bothers Band "keeper of the flame".... Sail on Brother Buppalo...

John Howard

September 6, 2012

I still can't believe I will never see him on this side again. Randy was indeed one of the kindest human beings God ever made. With his passing, my world just got colder.

Jack Quinn

September 6, 2012

Dear Randy I was enhanced in life by meeting you and feeling the goodness eminate from you. Rest in Eternal Peace with Peach scents.

Paul Mattingly

September 6, 2012

We'll miss you at Chestnut. Trivia won't be the same. Except now I'll win!

donnie webb

September 6, 2012

its hard to believe its been almost 40 yrs when i first meet randy at the buffalo.We had alot of good times at the buff and some other adventures.He was a kind man that always said something good about people.Hell he even said some nice things about me.I was proud that he called me his friend.Im sure our old friend johnny will have a cold one waiting for you,love ya buddy,roll tide

Mike Dawson

September 6, 2012

Randy,
Your friendship was sincere and everlasting.
Memories forever.
Rest in Peace Ole Friend.

September 6, 2012

Rest In Peace Brother Randy. So happy we got to talk and see each other August 1. You were one of a kind and will be missed.

dorothy dyer

September 6, 2012

you were a great friend and you will be missed by all

Jeanne Bender

September 6, 2012

Randy liked to credit Duane Allman for bringing a lot of us together, but Bup's kind spirit and genuine love for his extended family is what nurtures the friendships that have formed over the years. A peace ambassador, he was a true teacher of tolerance, civility, acceptance and forgiveness. He led by example in the way he lived his life not by telling you how to live yours.

The road goes on forever in large part because of Randy's passion. It was wonderful to witness the joy he found in the music and a blessing to be welcomed to share in it. He always wanted to share it. Always giving, never asking back.

Every community should have a member like Randy Stephens. Gadsen, AL and Hittin the Web have lost a local treasure.

His smile and warm hugs will never be far from my heart. I will see you down the road a ways....

Carole Hook

September 6, 2012

Heaven gained a new angel when you left us. I'll always remember you for the ever ready kind word or deed.

My sympathies to Randy's family & the town of Gadsden. A goodwill ambassador of the best kind.

Already missing you, your sister,(on the Allman side),

SistaBluz

Sari Begleiter

September 6, 2012

Rest in Peace Randy. You will surely be missed my friend. Love you Brother! See you down the road some day.

Mona Maddox

September 6, 2012

No matter where I saw Randy, he always had a story to share about the bands and musicians. He befriended me and I knew I could always sit with my buddy if I was alone. I will miss him so much. "It's a wild ride," he'd say, smiling.

Peggy Milwee

September 6, 2012

I was soo sorry to read about Randy's
sudden passing. I had soo much fun with
him at the Buffalo Bar. what memories.
I know the "BAMA NATION" in heaven will welcome him with a loud Roll Tide Roll

Nancy Putnam

September 6, 2012

Rest in Sweet Peace, Randy. You will be sorely missed by SO many people. I am happy, though, at the company you now are keeping. Must be a beautiful jam up there! Love you!

Jeanne Bender

September 6, 2012

Randy liked to credit Duane Allman for bringing a lot of us together; but Bup's kind spirit and genuine love for his extended family is what nurtures the friendships formed over the years. He was a true teacher of tolerance, civility, acceptance and forgiveness. The road goes on forever in large part because of Randy's passion. It was a pleasure to witness the joy he found in the music and a blessing to share. His smile and warm hugs will never be far from my heart. See you down the road a ways....

Rusty Blythe

September 6, 2012

Farewell to the sweetest, kindest man I believe I have ever had the privilege of knowing. The world will certainly be a sadder place in Randy's absence.

I count having known Randy among my highest blessings.

Condolences to the Stephens family and to the many, many, many people who knew Randy. No better friend can be had.

Randy "Buppalo1" Stephens will be missed.

"Rusty" and Donna

Deb Andreano

September 6, 2012

Randy was always such a kind spirit and his pure joy in the music and hometown he loved was contagious and lovely. He was well loved, he will be missed. Rest well Randy ... earths loss is heavens gain. Comforting thoughts going out to your brother and the many friends whose lives you touched.

Heather Kloster Hess

September 6, 2012

You will be missed more than you know Randy. For all the good times as I was growing up, teaching me geometry and how to bet on a horse. I have the fondest memories and am extraordinarily sad.

Ca McDonald

September 6, 2012

Brother
Randy walks with Angels, trouble no more..Love you Bup, we will never forget your beautiful smile xoxoxox the McFamily

Pat Velkavrh

September 6, 2012

RIP, Randy....the 1st time I met him was at Bill Ector's memorial service and you instantly knew that he was a special person, a one of a kind gentleman ... may you fly (and sing) with all those above ... I know that you have great company there ...

September 6, 2012

Angela Tinker

Jody Daddio

September 6, 2012

Rest in Peace Randy. I will always remember your kind voice and heartwarming smile. Randy's spirit will be with us at future Allman Brother's shows.

Candace Cartee Bradford

September 6, 2012

What a great place East Gadsen was to grow up as a child, the Stephen's home was a hot spot of hospitality and fun! Roaming our neighborhood and having a village to raise us all. Rest in peace, Randy, we were the lucky ones.

Dave Pierson

September 6, 2012

Randy, you were a joy to be around. Your enthusiasm was contagious. I'm glad to have know you and I will miss seeing you at concerts. Rest in peace, my friend.

Bob/Renee Fazekas

September 6, 2012

You taught us many things of which we were appreciative, including the NASCAR board.

Peggy Milwee

September 6, 2012

I was soo sorry to hear about randy. great guy & what an additional to the
"BAMA NATION" in heaven. I had many great times with Randy especially at the infamous Buffalo Bar May God be with you

Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Crestwood Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery - Gadsden

2209 East Broad Street, Gadsden, AL 35903

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