Thomas Z. Stringfellow

Thomas Z. Stringfellow, 95, of Bessemer, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2023, reuniting with his beloved wife who passed a few weeks ago to their heavenly eternal home. He was born April 25, 1928 to Carlor A. and Lola (Roberts) Stringfellow. TZ, as he was known by family and friends, lived a life of service to the people of the Eastern Valley community for over 65 years where he was always distributing food, giving rides, running errands, and contributing his time in so many ways to actively help others. Just mention a need and he would be there to lend a hand in any way. He was designated as a Master Mason, and served as an active member of brotherhood outreach ministries through his church. TZ grew up in the Oak Grove community, graduating from Oak Grove High School. Following high school, he worked as a millwright for Tennessee Coal and Iron Company (TCI) in Wenonah, Alabama. He served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was recipient of UN Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge (38th Infantry Regiment), Purple Heart, Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Following his active military deployment, he moved to reserve duty and returned as millwright and electrician to complete 35 years of service at what became the Wenonah Ore Conditioning Plant of U.S. Steel. While there, he was elected by his peers as a union leader. For a time, he operated a small gas station business in Bessemer, AL. He worked as an usher at Legion Field for his esteemed Alabama Crimson Tide football games. He later worked as a staff member of Eastern Valley Baptist Church. After his work left him hearing impaired, his loud voice might sound at times like a big grizzly bear, yet he had the softest heart. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and proudest PawPaw of his two grandsons. He spent his life taking care of his family, especially seeing to the every need of his wife who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. He and his beloved wife were Christian role models for us all. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Ivra Colleen Stringfellow and his brother, Eugene Percy (Violet) Stringfellow. He is survived by his son, Thomas Dale (Rhonda) Stringfellow; his grandchildren, Alex (Kayla) Stringfellow, and Travis (Ashleigh Farmer) Stringfellow, along with several dear nephews and nieces. He was a father figure to many and will be missed by all who loved and knew him. The funeral service will be at 2PM on May 17, 2023, at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home with burial following at Highland Memorial Gardens. Travis Stringfellow and Dr. Nic Seaborn will be officiating the service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home chapel from 1PM until service time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Shades Crest Baptist Church, 452 Park Avenue, Hoover, AL 35226 or New Community Church, 751 Ross Street, Heflin, AL 36264, or place Bibles in his honor https://www.sendtheword.org/

Thomas Z. Stringfellow

April 25, 1928 - May 8, 2023