Stephen Porter Morton Sr.

May 28, 1936-January 3, 2017 Steve passed on from this life and is now with his Lord, as his faith has become sight. Steve was the oldest son of Boyette Edgar (Sunshine) Morton and Dorothy Pritchett Morton. Steve was predeceased by his beloved Gail, his first wife to whom he was married for almost 50 years. Steve leaves as his widow Betty Woods Morton, his loving wife and best friend these past years. Steve and Betty did a wonderful job of blending their respective families with love and dedication, continuing their efforts to teach their children about the love of family. Steve also leaves behind his siblings, W. Barry Morton (Catherine), Kathaleen M. Hosea (Dr. Joel), Marilyn M. Bland (Dr. Kirby) and Alan Todd Morton. Steve is survived by his children Steve P. Morton, Jr (Kelly), Roy B. Morton (Becky), Patricia M. McLemore (Lee) and by Betty's four children, Chris Woods, Glenn Woods, Ellis Woods and Elizabeth Walters and their spouses and children. Steve, or as he was known to his grandchildren, Duke, is also survived by 12 grandchildren, S. Porter Morton, III, Frances M. Shaw (Andrew), Timothy S. Morton, John D. Morton; Annie F. Smith, Parker B. Smith, Evie E. Morton, Liles B. Morton; K. Legrand McLemore, Morton D. McLemore, Kathryne B. McLemore, E. Scout McLemore and great grandson Charles Marion Shaw. Duke also counted as his own, his many dear nieces and nephews. Steve and his siblings grew up in the Patton Chapel (now Hoover) area where they together forged as strong sense of family which has held them together throughout their lives. He went to school at Shades Cahaba and then Shades Valley High School where he met Gail. He attended Auburn University on a ROTC scholarship and interned with Rust Engineering, working there after graduating in 1958. In 1959 he began service in the U. S. Airforce, serving at the Altus Air Force Base. In 1962 he joined his father-in-law, Roy Bridges, in the automobile business and helped continue the growth of that business for 30 years. While in the automobile business he served as an officer with the National Automobile Dealers Association and the Dealership Council for Volkswagen of America. Steve was a longtime member of the Quarterback Club and the Birmingham Rotary Club as well as a member of both the Birmingham Country Club and The Club. During his years in the automobile business Steve found a passion working with his friend Mahan developing property in the Montevallo area where he also was instrumental in the growth of the Brierfield Ironworks Park. A longtime member of Brookwood Baptist Church, in his later years Steve became active at the Mountain Brook Baptist Church where he was serving as a Deacon at the time of his death. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 7th at 12:00 noon at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. Steve will be missed by his family and his many dear friends who have been so important in his life. In lieu of flowers, we ask that friends consider gifts to: UAB Department of Surgery, Gail B. Morton Fund in memory of Steve P. Morton, Attention: Leon Ryan, FOT 950, 1720 Second Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294 or Mountain Brook Baptist Church, 3631 Montevallo Road South, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. -
Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.