Charles David Stephens, (affectionately known as “D” to his family), passed away on October 23, 2019, at the age of 85. He is predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Patricia Brown Stephens; his parents Andrew Jackson and Bertha Knighton Stephens; and his five siblings, Louise Law, Dorothy Rodgers, Ina Clay, Jack Stephens, and Edward Stephens. Also, his father-in-law and mother-in-law; Jabres Noble and Mattie Lou Brown, whom he dearly loved.
Mr. Stephens is survived by his three daughters, Gail Purser (Chip), Peggy Marshall (Don) and Pam Loveless; his four granddaughters, Cindy Patterson (Brian), Jennifer Ward (Andy), Abby Loveless and Kristen Loveless; and his four great-grandchildren, Emma Grace Patterson, Noah Charles Patterson, Brady Pierce Ward and Grayson Michael Ward; and his many dear nieces, nephews and friends. Mr. Stephens is also survived by his loving and compassionate friend, Verdelle Robbins, who is so loved by our family.
Mr. Stephens was a resident of Montgomery, AL, and enjoyed a career as Bookkeeper and Vice President for Tom Jones, Inc., for 42 years. After his retirement, he continued to stay in touch with his former co-workers, as they were always so gracious to include him at their annual Christmas luncheons even after his retirement. During the last weeks of his life, he was remembering and speaking of his friend and “boss”, Leslie Watson, and remembering the kindness of the Tom Jones family, the Watson family and his “work family” through the years.
Mr. Stephens greatest joy in life, (besides fishing and hunting, which was taught to him by his father at an early age in Ramer, AL), was being surrounded by the love of “his girls”. After many years in a family of all girls, he was finally blessed with three great-grandsons, who were the “apple of his eye”!
Mr. Stephens was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, for over 50 years. He was so appreciative to receive the many calls, cards and visits during the past months from his loving church family.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 28, 2019, at Leak Memory Chapel from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, with services beginning at 2:00 pm, in the Chapel, officiated by Pastor Gary Blair, Minister of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Don Marshall, Chip Purser, Brian Patterson, Andy Ward, David Rodgers, Andy Stephens and Freddie Patterson.
Our family extends a special thank you to all of the amazing staff and employees of John Knox Manor II, for the excellent care and compassion shown to Mr. Stephens during the past 9 months. Also, a special thanks to his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law (Kathi Brown Clark, Noble Brown and George Brown), and his very special nieces and nephews, who he loved so much, who visited, called and stayed in contact with him through his final days.
A final thank you to Dr. Martin Heslin, Dr. Robert Avery and Dr. Donald Marshall, who all played a role in extending his life an additional four years, after a diagnosis of pancreatic and metastatic bone cancer. For that, we are truly grateful.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.
