Stephen Ray Whitfield

Stephen (Steve) Ray Whitfield, 66, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on March 16, 2024. Steve was born on June 11, 1957 to the late Eldridge and Mary Arlene (Winstid) Whitfield. He grew up near Birmingham, Alabama, in Cahaba Heights, where he attended Shades Valley High School.  

 Steve worked for Warren George Incorporated out of New Jersey as a driller for several years before shifting to a career of auto body technician. He worked for numerous auto body shops over the years, before retiring from Heartland Chevrolet in 2020. Steve had a love for barbeque, and enjoyed participating in barbeque competitions with his family and friends on the BS Smokers team. Steve enjoyed deer hunting with his sons, granddaughter, and family friends. Steve had a passion for sports, specifically NASCAR, Chiefs Football, and Alabama Football - you could always count on him for an enthusiastic “ROLL TIDE!”

 Steve is survived by his wife, Julie Whitfield; children Jeremiah Whitfield (Kim), Jacob Whitfield (Alex), and Garrett Whitfield; grandchildren Shawn, Cameron, Isabella, and Lucas; mother-in-law Bette Meier; sister Tami Whitfield; sisters-in-law Lisa (Allen) Wright and Shara (Terry) McNeeley; as well as several nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family. In addition to his parents, Steve is preceded in death by his father-in-law Bill Meier and brother Danny Whitfield. 

 A graveside service will take place at Mount Washington Cemetery in Independence, Missouri on Thursday, March 28 at 1:30pm.