Keith Maxwell Stephens

Published 2:46 pm Thursday, January 9, 2025

Keith Maxwell Stephens, 60, passed away at his Andalusia home on Jan 3, 2025. Keith is survived by his wife, Shannon Hiers Stephens; son, Clayton Maxwell Stephens of Mary Esther, Florida; and daughter, Lindsey Hiers Stephens, of Birmingham. He also leaves behind his father, Barney Stephens; two brothers, Blane (Teresa) Stephens and Todd (Salve) Stephens; and nephews, Andrew (Victoria) Stephens and Matthew Stephens. Keith was preceded in death by his mother, Vella Stephens.

Dr. Kevin Wilburn, pastor of First Baptist Church of Andalusia will preside over the Celebration of Life services that will be held on Friday, Jan. 10, 2 p.m., at First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Foreman Funeral Home as well as 30 minutes prior to the services at the church. Internment will follow at Andalusia Memorial Cemetery. Wesley Robertson, Dustin Kilcrease, Joshua Hudson, Trent Carnley, Lowe Dillard, and Jamie Hawkins will serve as pallbearers.

Keith was born into a military family, moving often, but found home in Covington County in 1977. He attended Straughn High School, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1982. Continuing his education, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Troy State University, Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Chemistry at the University of Alabama, and was a postdoctoral fellow at Cornell University. In 1992, Keith returned home to Andalusia, where he began his career in industry at Alabama Electric Cooperative, now PowerSouth, as an environmental scientist. He was promoted to environmental manager in 1997, a position he held until his death. Through his 32-year career he served on various committees for the Utility Solid Waste Act Group, Class of 85, Utility Water Act Group, Cross Cutting Issues Group and as Vice President and President of the National Rural Electric Environmental Association. Despite his accomplishments, Keith would say his greatest professional achievement was mentoring and fostering relationships within his work family.

A humble servant and leader for his community, friends, PowerSouth family, and church, Keith shared his Christian faith and joy for life through laughter, service, and care for others. He enjoyed the outdoors – hunting, hiking, fishing, and spending time with his family and dogs. He could always be found looking at the sky, admiring a sunset or the moon, snapping pictures, and sending them to Clay and Lindsey to remind them that he loved them and prayed for them daily.

The family thanks the community for their kindness and helping to celebrate Keith’s life. In honor of his memory, donations can be made in his name to United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile.

In Keith’s words: “You’re very, very valuable!”