Luis Nieves-Aviles

Luis Alberto Nieves-Aviles, 78, passed away peacefully at home on December 13, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on January 27, 1947, in Puerto Rico, Luis lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and a deep curiosity about the world around him.

He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1991 where he started as an electronic communication technician and changed over to the Officer Corps where he worked as a Nuclear Missile Launch Officer achieving the rank of Captain.

When he was not working or studying, Luis enjoyed scuba diving, underwater photography and eventually became an instructor. He developed an interest in astronomy early in life which he continued through the years while always looking for the perfect spot for his telescope and deep space photography. Model rocketry was also an early interest which was a lifelong pursuit as well.

Following his military career, Luis became a successful entrepreneur, founding Gulf Coast Computer Services in Daphne, Alabama, in 1992. What began at his dining room table grew into a thriving business employing more than thirty people, including many family members and friends. His greatest accomplishments were not his titles or achievements, but the people he helped, mentored, and loved along the way.

Luis was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Alberto Nieves-Hernandez and Blanca Nieves-Avilés. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Stina (Pia) Nieves-Aviles, his partner in life and love; his daughter, Tina Stidham (Jeff), his grandchildren, Whitney Roberts (Davis) and Will Stidham; his great-grandchildren, Lucas and Wells Roberts; and his siblings, Walkiria Nieves-Avilés, Milton Nieves (Semra), Dalma Vazquez (Felix), and Rochelle Terrell (Michel); as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service to honor him will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1505 Main St. Daphne, Alabama 36526. A burial service with military honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the State Veterans Cemetery in Spanish Fort, Alabama.