Stephen Charles Ballew

Stephen Charles Ballew, age 58, of Panama City Beach, FL, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on March 6, 2025. He was born to Charles and Judy Reese Ballew on November 7, 1966, in Birmingham, Alabama. Stephen graduated from Gardendale High School in 1985. In 1989, he married his constant companion, best friend, and wife, Belinda Robbins Ballew of Forestdale, Alabama. He will be remembered as a sports fanatic, food connoisseur, fisherman, traveler, and devoted dog dad. A diehard fan of all things Alabama Crimson Tide, he recently developed an interest in hockey. He loved spending time with his wife and friends, watching Alabama games, and enjoying a good meal. He had a knack for picking the dish that warranted the statement, “Man, I should have gotten that.” His tradition of treating himself to an afternoon milkshake on the way home from work epitomized his passion for sweets. At the local Doughnut Hole, he would indulge in the “DIET” plate—and, of course, some cake. Stephen cherished deep-sea fishing with his close friends of over 20 years. On these trips, he would reel in the big ones, catching large grouper and snapper. With an attitude of “Just tell me what to pack and when we need to leave,” Stephen was the “happy dumb dumb” when it came to traveling. Last year, he and Belinda created incredible, unforgettable memories with friends in Iceland and Cuba. He was also a devoted lover of all dogs. Above all else, he was a loving and respected son, brother, husband, uncle, friend, and beloved, “legendary” co-worker. Whether working with Kraft Pizza Company, Nestlé, Fraley Provisions, or Coastal Deli Provisions, Stephen loved and cared deeply about his job. For the past eight years, he worked as the warehouse manager for Fraley Provisions and Coastal Deli Provisions (Boar’s Head). His co-workers became family and some of his biggest supporters, affectionately nicknaming him the ‘Grumpy Old Man.’ The owner’s son, Mason, admiringly referred to Stephen as a legend and irreplaceable. Stephen is survived by his wife of 35 years, Belinda Robbins Ballew; his mother, Judy Reese Ballew; his sister, Joelle Ballew Lawley and brother-in-law Paul Lawley; his mother-in-law, Patricia Minyard Robbins; his brother-in-law, Mark Robbins and sister-in-law Malinda Robbins; his nephew, Matthew Robbins; his dogs, Leo and Toni; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Ballew; his father-in-law, Gene Robbins; and his grandparents. With Stephen’s passing, his beloved dogs—Fred, Pebbles, Lady, Heidi, Pete, and Barney—are certain to welcome him with open paws, eager for his embrace, pets, and treats. Stephen has been a member of Pineywood Baptist Church in Gardendale since he was a young boy and had recently reaffirmed his faith. A Celebration of Life honoring Stephen will be held on March 12, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home. In the coming days, a Florida Celebration of Life will be announced for Panama City Beach. The family welcomes and encourages visitors to come pay their respects and “hang out,” as that is what Stephen would have wanted. To honor Stephen’s life, please wear what makes you comfortable—and feel free to represent the University of Alabama or anything else he loved. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alaqua Animal Refuge (alaqua.org) or to the local animal rescue of your choice.

Tributes

Stephen Charles Ballew

November 7, 1966 - March 6, 2025