Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Crestwood Memorial Chapel for James Earl Stephens, 74, Glencoe, who died Monday, March 16, 2009. The Rev. Teddy Whitfield will officiate. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery. Crestwood Memorial Funeral Home is in charge.
Mr. Stephens was a member of Temple Praise Church. He was one of the owners and operators of Gadsden Race Way. He was an avid race fan and musician and played the mandolin for the Christian Cavaliers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Abel and Mary Stephens.
He is survived by his brothers, Richard Stephens and Jerry (Dorrene) Stephens; niece, Kim (Charles) Xanders; nephews, Phillip (Misha) Stephens and Greg (Beverly) Stephens; and great-special longtime friend, Jane Stowe.
Pallbearers will be Nathan Stephens, Eugene Stephens, Phillip Stephens, Greg Stephens, Gary Wilson and Fred Whitfield.
The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service Thursday at the funeral home.