Dr. Fred E. Halstead
September 2, 1947 - July 9, 2026

HELENA - Dr. Fred Halstead, lovingly known as "Doc," age 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2026. He was born on September 2, 1947, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, to Chester William Halstead and Irene Irwin Halstead.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover, Alabama, immediately followed by a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. Dr. Will McGee, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, will officiate.

Doc graduated from Franklin High School in Livonia, Michigan, before earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Eastern Michigan University in 1969. He went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Detroit School of Dentistry in 1973. He practiced dentistry in Michigan until 1981, when he and his family made Alabama their home. He built a successful dental practice in Cleveland, Alabama, and later became Head of the Biology Department at Wallace State College in Hanceville, where he retired in 2016. There, he was loved and respected for his brilliant mind, and his gift for mentoring, teaching, and inspiring countless students and colleagues.

While his professional accomplishments were significant, Doc's greatest joy and proudest role was that of husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He dearly loved his wife, Jan, and together they built a life centered on family, laughter, and unwavering devotion. His daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandson were among his greatest blessings, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

Doc had a deep appreciation for nature and found beauty in the simple things in life. Whether enjoying the outdoors, sharing stories, or simply being with the people he loved, he never overlooked life's small joys. He was dependable and steadfast, the person family and friends could always count on for wisdom, encouragement, and support.

He was also the life of the party. With his quick wit, warm smile, and infectious sense of humor, Doc had a remarkable ability to make every gathering brighter and every person feel welcome. Though exceptionally intelligent and accomplished, he remained humble and genuine, living simply and loving deeply.

Doc is survived by his beloved wife, Jan McGee Halstead; his daughters, Chris H. White (Sean) and Carrie H. Sherrer (Kevin); his grandchildren, Peyton W. James (Joseph), Riley Catherine White (fiancé, Corey), James Kaleb Sherrer, William Kyle Sherrer, and Connor Thompson White; his great-grandson, Henry Neal James; his siblings, Chester Halstead, Verna Smith, and Trudy Noffsinger; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester William Halstead and Irene Irwin Halstead, and his sister, Linda Benson.

Doc's legacy is one of love, kindness, laughter, and quiet strength. He leaves behind a family who adored him, friends who cherished him, and generations of students whose lives were forever changed by his wisdom and encouragement. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.