STIGLER, STEPHEN L.

Stephen Leath Stigler [December 4, 2003] was born in Greenwood, Mississippi in 1917, the son of Elizabeth Barnwell and Jesse Qualls Stigler. He grew up in Greenwood, was active in all sports, and became an Eagle Scout. He studied pre-medical education at the University of Mississippi where he joined Sigma Chi Fraternity. He later attended Tulane Medical School, and after graduating he spent a year as an intern at University Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Prior to the beginning of World War II, he joined the Navy and was assigned to service with the Marines. During his tour of duty in the Pacific Theater, he volunteered for Carlson’s Raiders and was awarded the Navy Cross. On returning to the United States, he completed his duty as a Navy doctor at Chelsea Navy Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. At the end of World War II, he returned to civilian life and served as a resident at Jefferson-Hillman Hospital in Birmingham. During his 29 years in private practice in internal medicine he was President of the Birmingham Academy of Medicine, Chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Health, and a counselor of the Alabama State Medical Society. On retirement, he became Medical Advisor of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Alabama for more than 9 years. He was a member of Kiwanis Club, Sons of the American Revolution, Society of the War of 1812, Birmingham Country Club, The Club, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. He is preceded in death by his son, William Stephen Stigler. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruth Ratliff Stigler; daughter, Leath Stigler Pearce (Neil); daughter-in-law, Connie Stigler; four grandchildren, Kem Stigler Bennett (Bill), Anna Stigler Parker (Bryan), William Stephen Stigler, Jr. (Hollye), Elizabeth Leath Stigler; and 3 great-grandchildren. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 6, at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Mountain Brook Baptist Church. The family will receive friends in Hudson Hall immediately following the service. Private graveside services will be held for the family at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the Boy Scouts of America or your favorite charity. Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood.