Dr. Paul Symms

Dr. Paul Stewart Symms, 72, of Southside, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday January 9, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Paul dedicated his life to his family and his practice of veterinary medicine. He found joy in spending time at the beach, riding his bicycle, grilling and crafting homemade beers. Paul was a 1980 graduate of Auburn University’s School of Veterinary Medicine. For 44 years he had the privilege of caring for large and small animals in both Kentucky and Alabama. The bulk of his career was spent servicing the residents of Southside and Rainbow City, Alabama as both a veterinarian as well as a certified veterinary chiropractor. During his career he also worked alongside the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Xenotransplantation Research Project. He also dedicated a large amount of his time and expertise to the preservation efforts of wild animals at Tigers for Tomorrow. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Cheryl Ann Symms. Together they raised three wonderful daughters: Leah (Brandon) Pendergrass of Leeds, Alabama; Sarah (Scott) Medeiros of Calera, Alabama; and Tara (Brent) Abney of Chelsea, Alabama. Paul enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren, Caiden Pendergrass, Preston Pendergrass, Keller Tibbetts, Alyna Abney and Samson Abney. He is also survived by his brother, Sig Symms. His extended family also includes his sisters-in-law Missy Symms, Donna Yerger, Young Yerger, Hildegard Yerger and Elaine Barrow; brother-in-law Robbie Yerger; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved and loyal pup, Hazel and his two cats Joey and CB along with many other grandpups and grandcats. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Patricia Symms; his step-mother Inez Symms; his father-in-law Robert (Bob) Yerger and mother-in-law Bernice (Bea) Yerger; his brothers-in-law, Jim Yerger and Jeff Yerger. A funeral service to celebrate Paul’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Williams Southside Chapel and Memorial. The family will accept visitors from 10:00 am-12:00 pm with a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Paul’s memory to Tigers for Tomorrow, an organization dedicated to wildlife preserve located here in Alabama or the American Cancer Society.

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Dr. Paul Symms

March 22, 1952 - January 9, 2025