James Stephen “Steve” Nelms

James Stephen “Steve” Nelms, a 54-year-old servant to his country, his state, his family, and his Lord, was peacefully called home after a long illness on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.

To celebrate and honor Steve’s life of service, an Honor Service will begin at 2 PM on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at Sunset Funeral Home, followed by Final Military and Trooper Honors. Family and friends are then invited to celebrate Steve’s life during an outdoor visitation and gathering on Sunset Memorial Park grounds, which will conclude in time to watch and celebrate Alabama beat Texas A&M. In keeping with Steve’s lifestyle, boots and blue jeans are encouraged.

Steve was born in Dothan, Alabama, to James M and Linda Gayle Trawick Nelms on October 30, 1966, and graduated high school in 1985. Throughout his life, Steve persevered firmly with doing the right thing – no matter the cost. He strived to “right the wrongs” in the world by serving his country for 21 years in the Army and the Army National Guard including a tour during Iraqi Freedom from which he received the hero’s honor of the Bronze Star. Steve continued his honorable service to the State of Alabama as a State Trooper and retired after serving 13 years. Through his time as a trooper, Steve acted as a traffic homicide coordinator and grasped every opportunity through this service to help his fellow citizen of Alabama. Contrary to common perceptions of law enforcement, Steve was a kind and compassionate trooper, always committed to representing the whole story and representing the truth. Many lives and families have been saved and improved because of Steve’s actions and commitment to “doing right.”

Outside of his service to others, Steve enjoyed people – all people. He especially loved his family and virtually worshipped the love of his life, Teresa Edgar Nelms. Their relationship was filled with love, laughter, and adventure – adventures with fast boats, Harley Davidsons, tractors, horses, and even dominos. Steve’s comical and adventurous nature shined through daily. Even though he carried “Iraqi demons” with him, Steve lived every day to the fullest.

Steve is now reunited with his father, Jim, and his maternal and paternal grandparents. Those left behind missing Steve’s love for life include his wife Teresa, mother Linda Price, sister Melinda Hamrick, uncle Hershel Trawick (Margie), mother-in-law Betty Edgar, brother-in-law Tommy Edgar, nephews Tyler Still and Anthony Edgar, nieces Mollie Still and Morgan Devine, special friends Jerrad Hatcher, Shane Rogers, Mike Meadows, and several great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation for the compassionate and loving care that was provided to Steve and the family by Southern Care Hospice, especially Cassidy and Shannon.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604