James R. "Ronny" Mayfield

James R. “Ronny” Mayfield, 76, of Leeds, AL, went to be with his Savior on April 2, 2025, with his family by his side. Ronny was born in 1948 in Birmingham, Alabama, and was the oldest of four children. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Mayfield Jr. and Evelyn Correll Mayfield, father and mother in-law, Lowell and Jane Sivley, sister-in-law, Linda S. Harding, all of Birmingham, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his wife of almost 53 years, Kathy Sivley Mayfield, son Brandon Mayfield, daughter-in-law Melissa Mayfield, and three granddaughters, Ella, Evie, and Zoey Mayfield, of Hoover, AL, as well as nephew, Dr. Rev. Chris Harding (Kym) and family, and nephew Scott Harding (Leigh Ann). He also leaves behind his brother David Mayfield and younger twin siblings, sister, Carole Mayfield and brother, Stephen Mayfield, both of Sylva, NC. Ronny attended Stonewall Jackson Elementary School in Birmingham and later graduated from West End High School in 1967. Immediately following graduation, Ronny enlisted in the United States Navy where he served almost four years as a Seaman and Gunners Mate from 1967 - 1971. During his time in the Navy, Ronny served aboard the USS KOELSCH, the eighth Garcia class frigate, primarily stationed in Newport, Rhode Island, and spent time on several tours throughout the Mediterranean. He received the National Defense Service Medal for his service during the Vietnam War era. Upon being honorably discharged from the Navy, Ronny returned to Birmingham where he met and married the love of his life, Kathy Sivley Mayfield. He worked at US Pipe in Bessemer, AL, in the early 1970’s and alongside his father for several years at Central Park Cleaners, a business his father owned and operated after assuming ownership from his grandfather who started the business in 1927. In 1974 Ronny began his life-long career with the Birmingham Fire Department and served for thirty-three (33) years in various roles until his retirement in 2007. His favorite role was serving as a driver and he took great pride in maintaining a stellar safety record, while learning the various streets and neighborhoods throughout the Birmingham communities where he served. While working for the fire department, Ronny also spent over twenty-five years at Labcorp in Birmingham, serving as a Courier. Many of his days were spent driving the streets and highways in and around Birmingham providing valuable and much needed services to hospitals, doctors’ offices, medical facilities, and families. Ronny and his family were active members of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Birmingham for many years. Throughout his career working two jobs and providing for his family Ronny always remained steadfast in his faith in Christ. He spent a lifetime striving to grow in his faith while never wavering from his commitment to love, honor, and serve Jesus and his family. Ronny was a devoted husband, father, servicemember, employee, and lifelong servant who spent his entire life protecting and serving others. He enjoyed reading his Bible, hunting, walking, watching Gunsmoke, gardening, and anything that involved spending time with his wife and family. A hero and protector to many, Ronny led by example and was known for his kind demeanor, caring heart, and calm spirit, and was never too busy to play catch with his son or cook his family favorite, homemade vegetable soup. Memory loss may have taken away the mind, but it could never take away the love in the heart and gentleness of the soul. A Celebration of Life gathering to remember and honor Ronny and his life of service will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the Chapel at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 11:00am – 12:00pm and service from 12:00 – 1:00pm. Casual dress. The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale University Park and Aveanna Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and professional care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to either Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 7773 Gadsden Hwy, Trussville, AL 35173, or Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, 1114, Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, AL 35209, to support their missions’ programs

James R. "Ronny" Mayfield

May 8, 1948 - April 2, 2025