Stephen Brad McLaughlin

Stephen Brad McLaughlin, affectionately known by friends and family as Brad, passed away on October 9, 2025, in Abbeville, AL. Born in Ozark, AL, on January 7, 1979, Brad's life was a testament to his resilience, kindness, and dedication to his loved ones and country.

Brad's early years in Ozark shaped the man he would become. After graduating from Carroll High School in 1998, he committed himself to a life of service, joining the Army and later serving in the Coast Guard. His 10 years in uniform were marked by courage, loyalty, and an unwavering sense of duty—an advocate for the military, he embodied the values he swore to protect.

Despite the demands of his career, Brad's heart was always with his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 8 years, Kristina McLaughlin, and a loving father to Payton Lee McLaughlin, Katelyn Amiya McLaughlin (Travis Deel), Kristopher Zachary Braswell, and Madelyn Nicole Braswell (Tanner Riley). Brad was a cherished son to his mother, Becky Leatherwood and stepfather, Colon, and preceded in death by his father, Thomas Allen McLaughlin. He was also preceded in death by his special nephew, Blake Cumbie, and his grandparents, Joe C Thorne, Mable Berry Leatherwood, Forrest Franklin Leatherwood, William Erwin McLaughlin and Margaret McCormick McLaughlin.

Brad's siblings, Andrea Baxter, Tina Beasley, and Jason Leatherwood, shared many treasured moments with him, as did his nephews, Kaden and Liam Baxter. He was also blessed with the love and support of his grandmother, Grace Martha Moates Roberts. His relationship with his parents-in-law, David Clison Cochran and Charlotte Christine Cochran, and his brothers-in-law, David Floyd Cochran and Gary Clison Cochran and their families, was founded on mutual respect and affection.

An artist at heart, Brad found solace and joy in his interests. Whether it was fishing, cheering for Alabama football, watching deer, writing poetry, drawing, doing crafts, or woodworking, he kept his mind bustling with creativity. His beloved service dog, Woody, was his pride and joy for 5 years, and together, they shared an unbreakable bond.

Brad's legacy extends beyond his family and personal passions. His impact on the community, his unwavering commitment to his fellow service members, and his zest for life will be remembered by all who knew him. His innate ability to light up a room with his craftwork, his thoughtful poetry, and his stories of adventures at sea will continue to inspire those he has left behind.

A celebration of Brad’s life will be held at 3:00pm on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at The Holman House, 285 E Broad St, Ozark, AL 36360, with Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.