Friends and family of Thomas W. Stubbs Jr. gathered to remember him last week.

Stubbs, a resident of Helena, passed away Monday, May 1, leaving behind a legacy of service.

During his life, he served two terms in the Alabama Senate from 1967 to 1975 as a representative of Shelby County.

Prior to that, he participated in ROTC at Auburn University before leaving to serve in the Second Infantry Division.

While in the military, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. One year later, his division helped liberate parts of Czechoslovakia in 1945. For those services, he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Dick Sztanyo, a fellow deacon at Pelham Church of Christ, talked of Stubb&8217;s life as a soldier of many causes.

&8220;He knew exactly where he stood and where he wanted to be,&8221; Sztanyo said. &8220;He was to all observers a faithful and dedicated soldier of the cross.&8221;

In his political life, representing District 17, he was responsible for legislation that procured funds for the Speech and Hearing clinic and the Traffic Safety Center at the University of Montevallo.

He also worked to help get exit ramps off of I-65 toward the Shelby County Airport and was actively involved in conservation efforts for the Cahaba River.

Stubbs is survived by his daughter, Mabel Anne Woodsmall of Auburn, and two sons, Thomas Stubbs and Samuel Stubbs, both of Helena. The family asks that donations be made to the Cahaba River Society in lieu of flowers.